Disclaimer: I don't own KHR.
Mia wanted to drag Tsuna with her on the way to her Nonnino because the truth was; she was a bit scared of him. When she saw him kill a man with his bare hands, a chill ran up her spine. She always knew he was a soldier but it hadn't sunk in until she saw it. Her grandfather, who had read stories to her when she was younger and had tea parties with killed people before. At the same time, she accepted it.
She recognized the drive, his will to fight, something she knew herself had and the way he executed the man with such finesse and grace... she shook her head.
She nervously wrung her hands as she waited for her Nonnino to show up for breakfast. The dining room had a few guests mingling about as it was too early for most to be up and Mia sat alone far into a dark corner where it matched her mood. It was bad enough that it would be Tsuna's match later that night but having this talk early in the morning left her with another sleepless night. It wasn't her insomnia that kept her up but the mere thought of talking to her Nonnino did. Yes, it was that bad. They were back in his hotel where he previously stayed. Dino was gracious for paying for his stay but Mia suspected it was more likely he was afraid of incurring the wrath of her Nonnino.
"Are you and Tsunayoshi together now?" Mia blushed.
"Well… yeah I guess," she mumbled as he took her seat in front of her. He was dressed neatly, as if the events of yesterday never happened. If anything, he looked like he always did during his Sunday walks around the block. He also had a noticeable stubble growing. But his shoulder was stiff and his eyes never lost the hard edge from the night before. Without meaning to, she averted her eyes away from him. "Um… what was it that you wanted to speak to me about Nonnino?"
"What is your next plan of action?"
"Huh?" She stared at her Nonnino. "My… plan of action?"
Nero Matteis casually picked up his coffee and sipped it. "My dear, while I have fully accepted your decision…" She froze in her seat. "I am still your Grandfather and you are my only granddaughter... what matters to me the most is your safety so I ask again, what will you do next?"
"Eh? But Nonnino, this last match will decide everything…"
Nero closed his eyes. "I sometimes forget how young you are Mia." He got up from the table to stand by the window. "Tell me, what did you see in that man's face yesterday? The one with the scars? Did he look the least bit discouraged?"
"…No."
"And what does that imply?"
"That he's confident he's going to win."
Nero turned to face his granddaughter. "Do you think he will?"
"No!" Mia jumped up from her seat. "Tsuna will win!"
"And you think that is enough?" She opened her mouth to say that yes, Tsuna was strong enough to beat Xanxus but the stern gaze of her Nonnino made the words die in her mouth. If she truly though about it, while it would be true that Tsuna would be able to hold his own against Xanxus, she didn't think it was enough. It scared her to admit it. Nero knew this well. "War is not won with one strategy alone Mia. Winning requires staying ahead of your enemy – being it three or ten steps. Precautions must be taken, opportunities to consider." Hard blue eyes bore into hers. She nodded.
"I understand Nonnino," she said. "It's just… Tsuna he – I know he can win! I just don't want him to think I don't believe in him because I really honestly do."
Nero's old face relaxed into a smile. "It is not a bad thing to have faith Mia. I only say this, as your grandfather and former General that you must think beyond the battle. Never underestimate your opponent as well. I know this is fairly obvious but you cannot truly expect what will happen – you can only prepare for it."
He sighed deeply. Mia looked to her Nonnino and saw a man who had gone through trial and suffering. He had spoken with so much weight. She approached him.
"Don't look at me with such sad eyes my dear." Nero patted her head gently like he used to when she was a child. "I speak with experience though I have many regrets."
"There's only so much I can do though Nonnino…" she raised her arm where the shock device had been put on. She glared at it. "I'm not even allowed to interfere with the match." He stopped patting her head and thoughtfully tucked his hands behind his back.
"You do not need to be in the center of that fight to lay a hand within it. Consider your abilities and resources my dear. Never overlook not even a single asset, no matter how insignificant they may be."
Her mind instantly wandered to Ian who was currently isolated in a hospital room in Namimori General Hospital. Her Nonnino was right. Who's to say Xanxus hadn't plan on cheating or something else? She wouldn't put it past him. There was also the matter of the Cervello.
"Nonnino, I'm grateful but why are you telling me this?" she asked.
"I am old Mia, I do not wish to see anyone dear to me die before I do," Nero said quietly. "Your Mafia friends treat me with wariness as if I would spring back to my days as a General but I'm merely a token of the past – there is not much I can do. I can only give you the necessary tools – my knowledge of warfare."
She hugged him tightly. He hugged her back. "You're not that old Nonnino," she murmured thickly. "You've still got it."
He chuckled warmly. "Indeed I still do."
"But don't push yourself too much!" He smoothed her hair back.
"Of course dear. Now, I think it's time for you to go now – remember what I've told you. Also feel free to ask anytime Mia." She nodded and after one last hug she left the hotel. She didn't head to the school right away. There was only so much she could do – this wasn't just Tsuna's fight. This was hers too. Lately she had been nothing but a burden. She had to change that.
Xanxus is a scheming bastard. Two can play that game. She barged into the hospital and headed straight to one of Dino's men stationed there. She requested to be taken to where Ian was. She didn't know what Reborn told Dino about Ian but the floor where he resided at was heavily guarded. She stared at the amount of black suited men loitering around the top floor. The Ninth wasn't even being treated here. Why the excessive manpower?
"Mia!" Dino had seen her from across the floor. "What are you doing here? Shouldn't you be at school?"
"Yeah but my Nonnino wanted to talk to me – I'll be coming in a little late."
"So what are you doing here?"
"I wanted to speak with Ian."
Dino frowned. "That guy? He's dangerous Mia. Why do you want to talk with him?"
"To clarify some things and why are you stopping me? Did Reborn say that Ian isn't allowed to see anyone?"
"Tsuna said he's a menace." Mia felt a spike of annoyance towards Tsuna. Dino continued on, "If my little brother thinks he's a threat then by under no circumstances I'm letting you of all people near him."
He was treating her like a child and that made her mad. She didn't show it but stared steadily at him until he started squirming under her gaze. "Tsuna's right. Ian is dangerous." She had let her voice become cold and detached. Her eyes wandered around the hall. "Are you hiding something Dino? There are too many men here if you ask me."
"If you know that he's dangerous then you can see why – "
"Ian's dangerous but he's not that dangerous." She pushed pass him to stand in the center of the hall where she closed her eyes for a moment. When she opened them she scanned the hallway. Multicolored lights shimmered in her sight, red, blues, greens, yellows, purple and even indigo swarmed her entire visage. It was curious that there was no orange but when she turned only she and Dino were orange. But what attracted her were two very faint but still distinguishable colors. In one room to her right there was a single person with indigo flames and on her left was someone with blue.
Ian was definitely the person in the right room as for the one on the left… she made a move towards the left and immediate ten guards blocked her way.
"Mia!"
She tilted her head back to look at the Bucking Bronco. He was anxious. He didn't want her to go into that room. She blinked and her sights faded back to normal. "Ian's on the room on the right, the Ninth isn't here so who's in this room?"
He froze up. Mia would have laughed but she kept her expression composed. When he still wouldn't let up, she narrowed her gaze. "Are you hiding something Dino? Does Reborn know who that person is?"
At the mention of his former tutor, Dino scowled. "That's dirty play Mia."
"So who is it?" she asked and turned to face him fully.
"Fine! I'll let you meet with this guy!" Dino threw his hands up. Mia shook her head.
"No. Now I want to see who it is."
Dino set his jaw. "I can't let you do that."
She raised her brows. "Are you going to throw me out Dino? Because," she dropped her bag to the floor. "I'm not leaving until you drag me out of here by my feet." Dino blanched and several of his men shifted uncomfortably. She was dead serious and she wasn't kidding. "That is, if you're willing to try." The thing about Dino was that he was a gentleman. It was his mistake to indulge her further than he already did and now that she had come to this point, brawl or not she wasn't leaving.
His subordinates looked from Mia to Dino, unsure on what to do. Dino scratched his head furiously in frustration. "I can't tell if you're serious or bluffing…" When she wouldn't respond and only continued to stare coldly at him he broke down. "All right! All right! Christ – just stop looking at me like that!" Was he really that easy? Mia thought. Romario then appeared to whisper quietly with Dino.
Dino, being the numbskull he was sometimes, was not entirely quiet. "She's a lot like her grandfather!" he whispered furiously. Well duh, she thought. They were family. There was bound to be some family resemblance. But knowing that the only reason he caved was because she bore resemblance to her Nonnino irritated her a bit. Romario whispered something again. "I don't want to hurt her – I'll never forgive myself… and Tsuna might kill me. It's fine. It's fine."
Romario pulled away but he wasn't pleased. Dino waved the guards away. "Okay but keep this to yourself alright?" He told her sternly. She nodded and picked her bag up. He opened the door slightly and she peeked through the gaps. Lying down on the bed, covered with wraps from head to toe was Squalo.
Shocked, she uttered, "I thought he…"
"We saved him," Dino murmured quietly. From the belly of a shark? She recalled Hayato telling her that Squalo had been eaten whole by one.
"Has he woken up yet?" she inquired in a whisper.
"A few times. When he does I try to make him talk but he stubbornly refuses to."
"Nobody knows he's alive?"
"No one," Dino confirmed. "So I'd appreciate it if you keep this to yourself for a while."
"A while?" Mia repeated with a slight frown. "Are you planning on bringing him out soon as a bargaining chip?"
"Jesus Mia, you'll fit just fine in the mafia with that line of thinking and no. To be honest the best thing for me to do is to get information. What with the External Advisor's team working hard in Italy, this is the least I can do." He closed the door. "There's still so much that we don't know. I'm afraid of what Xanxus is planning." He said the last part so quietly only she heard it. She was surprised.
For him to admit that he was afraid was a lot especially with his position as a boss. Without realizing it, she reached out to hold his hand. "That's what I'm partly doing right now," she admitted. "Perhaps we can work on it together?"
He looked down on her in surprise. "But how are you going to accomplish that?" The fact that he readily accepted her offer and didn't decline it bolstered her confidence.
Her eyes fell on the door to Ian's room. "My contact isn't for show Dino. He does know some things."
He studied her but eventually gave in. She let go of his hand and he rubbed the back of his neck. "Geez Mia… okay, you've made your point." He led her towards Ian's room. "But I'll be with you alright? Tsuna really made it sound like he's worse than Xanxus."
Mia had to stop and process the sight in front of her. "Dino… isn't this over excessive?!" Ian was indeed in the room but was strapped against the bed. "And is that a muzzle?!" At the sound of her voice he turned his head towards her. He was in fact, wearing a muzzle. She turned to Dino, exasperated, "Why would you put a muzzle on him?"
"Wasn't my idea. Reborn did it."
"Well can you take it off?"
Dino motioned to have the muzzle removed and they also loosened his bonds so he could sit up but still tethered tightly to the bed. When it was off Ian moved his face as if to rid of it entirely. He looked awful. Parts of his face were a mess of yellow and purple from where she punched him. He licked his lips and said, "I'm thirsty." Dino ordered to give him water. Someone came forward with a glass of water with a bendy straw. After he took his drink Ian said, "I'm going back to sleep," and tried to get back under his covers.
Oh no he wasn't. She tore the covers off the bed, exposing his bare legs and he glared at her. "Listen love – "
"You're wasting your time on me. " She cut him sharply. "Did you forget who's your real enemy? They've been in front of you this whole time yet you've never taken the shot instead you waste your efforts on a middle schooler – talk about pathetic." Killing intent flooded the room but Mia paid no heed to it even when Dino was trying to pull her away. She kept her feet rooted on the spot.
"Why are you provoking him?" Dino hissed as his men tensed. She ignored him.
"We're you ordered not to attack them?" she asked. "Is that why you were so agitated and instead took it out on me and Tsuna?" Ian didn't reply but the look of loathing on his face deepened. Her heart began to race. So she hit it right on the mark. But just as he was quick to anger, he calmed down immediately as well.
"Nobody said I couldn't make it hard for you," he said disdainfully. "What's wrong? Can't handle a little challenge?" He mocked her.
She had no time for his childish bullshit. She came close to him and leaned down until her lips where close to his ear. "Is the Order intimidated by the Cervello?" she asked quietly. She struck a nerve.
He slightly snarled. "No such thing," he hissed.
"Then what's stopping you?" she pulled back. Ian glanced at Dino and his men that were in the room with them. Mia felt the subtle touch of an illusion as it blanketed the two of them. "What did you do?"
"A simple illusion. They won't hear us and will think we're having a staring match." He huffed in annoyance. "The Cervello are similar to the Order but they are much more… direct. They interfere directly into matters so things go in their favor like the entire Ring conflict. The Order…" he scowled. "As much as I want to massacre every last one of them I'm not allowed to. Not while they still have a hand in this. We can't risk jeopardizing anything further than it already has been."
"How about after? Haven't you ever thought of that?"
He gave her a very dirty look that was basically telling her that she was stupid. "You think we never thought about it? As soon as it's over, they're gone. Tracking them is harder than breaking in the Pentagon."
Can humans even do something like that? She was suddenly struck with a strange feeling. How in the world were they able to accomplish such a feat? What means did they use that not even the Order could find them? Ian's expression turned wary. "Oi," he warned.
She blinked and the feeling vanished. "Right… well, can't you just plant a tracker on them or something similar?"
He snorted. "They would be able to sniff it out within ten meters, what makes you think they'll let it be put on them?"
Ian was starting to become annoying. She resisted the urge to muzzle him. "Then mask its scent or whatever it is. You are an illusionist aren't you? Isn't it in the job description to fool people?"
"That's right! I'm an illusionist! Why ever did I not think of that before?" He said sarcastically. "Oh wait... You think that little token was made from scrap metal? It's made with the same material as the Vongola rings were. Putting something of that value on their person would be like giving a hundred million pounds away for free. It's not worth it."
She was taken aback. A hundred million pounds? She was carrying a fortune around with her?! But she recovered quickly. "Then some other way then."
His emerald eyes narrowed. "The only other way is - " he stopped himself and his eyes grew wide. This time, he really wasn't being sarcastic but the way he was looking at her was making her skin crawl. "I'll use you instead," he declared.
"What?!" She wanted him to elaborate but then she felt the illusion lift.
"I'm interested," he said, sickly mirth coloring his tone. He laid back against the bed. "Alright love, whatever it is you're planning I'll go along with it."
Dino's jaw dropped. "You guys didn't even talk!" Ian shrugged.
"Wait, you can't just decide on your own!" Mia argued.
"I can't?" He looked at her, an eyebrow raised. "I assume you came to me because you needed something?"
She bit back her insults. He was right. She needed him. "Fine," she spat. "But try anything towards Tsuna - "
"Or what?" he taunted her.
Cold fire seeped into her breast. An image of his lifeless body flashed into her mind and she couldn't even bring herself to be guilty about it.
"I really hate that look in your eyes," Ian said with distaste. "But it suits you."
The coldness receded a bit. "Then let's not waste anymore time. If I'm later than I already am, the Chairman will kill me."
"It's good that you're thinking ahead Mia," Reborn told her when she informed him. She was at school and so far she had only missed first period. Right now she was waiting for her teacher to leave so she can come into class before the next one starts. "What's the success rate?"
She pursed her lips. "Seventy-eight percent."
"You sure have thought this through."
"Well, I'm done with schemes. If Xanxus plans on doing anything else I'll personally snuff it out before he does. He's going to fight this match fair and square," she said.
"Are you planning on sharing this with Tsuna?" Reborn asked the million-dollar question. Ah yes. In truth she was afraid of telling him but it had to be done. If all goes well – and that was just the best case scenario – then he had nothing to fear and she would have organized all this for nothing.
"Yeah," she said softly. "It wouldn't do planning behind the boss' back. Right?"
"Are you sure there's nothing for me to do?"
She stared in surprise at the hitman. Was he serious? "Reborn," she started out disbelievingly. "You don't need me to tell you what to do."
Reborn smirked. "Good because you're a hundred years too early to order me around." She giggled fondly at the hitman. The door to their classroom suddenly slammed open.
"Mia!" Tsuna exclaimed. "What took you so long?"
"Ne Tsuna, can we talk for a bit?"
Tsuna really hated her plans. Some were downright insane, others were annoyingly reasonable. This particular plan she set up was of the latter, the logical one and while it didn't necessarily put her in any more danger than she already was, she was still pretty much in danger. He can't deny her reasoning though and that's what made it hard to swallow. Also he hated that Ian was part of it but it made him feel better that Dino was there too.
It was really hard to refute her when she was calm and sensible. When she managed to get him to agree, he went to sulk on the roof. As he leaned on the fence looking down on the courtyard, he heard the door open.
"Are you mad?" Mia asked him. He didn't look at her.
"No," he said with a slight grumble.
Pause. He could hear her shuffling her feet and looked around. Her sight was downcast as her expression was twisted into worry. "You've already been put through so much just this past week… I just want you to focus on your match without worrying about what happens outside it."
"Mia…" Looking at her honest face, he felt his heart race. Ah, it was really starting to become dangerous for him. It made it hard for him to be worried for his own match. "You know, I've been thinking about something for some time now."
She snorted. "Don't over exert yourself."
He poked her ticklish side and she jumped away. "Ha-ha." She laughed a little bit. "Well… It's just that… I want to succeed the Ninth as the Decimo." Silence stretched between them and Tsuna felt like he needed to explain himself. "It's a bit sudden huh? I know I've said it before but I wasn't completely a hundred percent sure about it then. I agreed but I didn't want to. Now…"
"What changed your mind?" she asked him quietly.
"A lot of things to be honest," he confessed. "But the final straw was Xanxus. Someone like that in a position to hurt so many… I couldn't let him become Boss. I can kind of understand why Grandpa chose me. Xanxus is full of hate and hate does nothing but generate more hate. You said that the Vongola wasn't always like this. I want to see that. I want to see the Vongola my ancestor created."
Mia didn't speak but that was alright. Her eyes more than enough gave away of how she felt and confidence swelled in him when he saw the pride in those blue orbs. He went up to her to brush her cheek with his fingers. She caught it and nuzzled his palm. It was a simple sweet gesture but it sent his heart soaring. She looked so happy when she did it too. It was too much. He leaned closer and kissed her. Her own hand went up to trace his fingers to his wrist where her gift for him was. It was a simple sweet kiss. Nothing too passionate but he enjoyed every moment of it. When he pulled back she ducked her head, embarrassed. She began to play with the edges of her vest.
He laughed at her even though he was a little red himself and pinched her cheeks. "You're not used to it yet?" He bit his lip to keep himself from laughing when she blushed even darker.
"N-No…" she admitted.
A sly grin worked its way up to his face. "And to think, you're the one who kissed me first. Where did all your bravado go?" he teased her. She slapped his arm but he went on thoughtfully, "Now that I think about it, it's always me who makes the first move – don't tell me you're getting shy now of all things?"
She gaped at him indignantly. Really, Mia can be hilariously cute sometimes. He burst into snorts and laughter. She kicked him in the shin and he went down like a tower. "Ouch! What if I broke my leg and can't fight?!"
Mia huffed and crossed her arms. "Then fly. You still have three limbs."
He was going to retort but then the bell rang. They shortly went back to class. When they got there, Tsuna noticed that Kyoko-chan wasn't around. He worried a little but didn't think too deeply about it. There were more important things to be worried about. After school, the two of them headed towards the hospital where Lambo was. Best news he heard all week was that Lambo had finally gained consciousness. He heard he was annoying as usual but it relieved both of them that he was alright. Looking at the face of his Thunder Guardian, he couldn't help but feel guilty about it.
"Dame-Tsuna, you're not thinking something stupid again are you?" Reborn had gone along with them.
"It's just… he's so young. It's not fair to him."
"Huh, if it's a matter of age then Mia should have taken Lambo's place. She's fit to take on the role of a Guardian as unsuitable the position of Thunder is for her."
He glared sharply at his tutor. "Not funny Reborn."
"I wasn't making a joke Dame-Tsuna."
"Alright guys, I'm back with some coffee and I've got bad news… er… is something the matter?" Mia came back holding an espresso and a latte. She paused in the doorway after sensing the tense atmosphere.
"What bad news?" Just like that, the hitman swiftly swept their conversation under the carpet. He reached out for his espresso. Mia handed it over to him.
Her expression darkened. "I just heard from Hayato and Ian that the Cervello had sent out summons for all Guardians."
Tsuna jumped from his seat. "Wait, you don't mean - "
"Lambo too," she said in quiet helplessness. "All living Guardians must be present. There's nothing we can do."
"But Lambo - "
"Is a Guardian." She cut him off. "I hate it too but doing so otherwise would disqualify you. It's not just Lambo who's forced into it. The Varia aren't exempt either." She sat next to Lambo and smoothed his hair back. It sprang back. It didn't stop her from continuing it. "'A Sky that encompasses and accepts all' Your match embodies that."
"But still!"
"You're not fighting this one alone. This time you have your Guardians with you."
Why couldn't she see? He thought, frustrated. "And Lambo? He can't exactly be fit to use the bazooka huh?"
"Have faith in your Guardians," Mia said gently but firmly. "Like I do in you."
Did she have to go and say something like that? Whatever angry retort he had died in his throat. Mia can sometimes speak the most convincing of lies but when she speaks the truth, there was no hint of deception, only honesty. She believed what she was saying. With all her heart. What was he supposed to say to that? He gave up. She was right, a small part of him said.
Reborn had been watching them carefully. "Or maybe an External Advisor isn't all that bad after all…" he muttered. Both teens looked to him questionably. "I have something to give you Tsuna."
"What is it?"
"Something to wear later."
Almost every mob and gangster movie came into mind, each outfit looking even more ridiculous than the last one. Mia was very interested to know too. Knowing that he had captured both teens' attention, the hitman took out a suitcase from god-knows-where and opened its contents to them. Tsuna was surprised at how… ordinary it was. It was just his usual school uniform. He held a vest up.
"At least I have an extra uniform," he said dryly.
Mia touched its fabric. "What's different about it?" She asked, curious. She squinted and Tsuna suddenly felt a small shiver come over him. She studied his vest with shining eyes. "What's it made of?" she asked, while thumbing the fabric. "It's not cotton."
Reborn smirked. "These clothes are actually woven from the thread made from Leon. They're resistant against flames." He tapped his hat and the small green chameleon poked its head out. "Look, he's tired see?" Leon was pooped. He was lazily lying down on the rim of Reborn's fedora. Tsuna couldn't help but stroke Leon's head in appreciation. In return, the chameleon licked his finger. He chuckled a bit.
"That's amazing though." Mia leaned close to study Leon. "Did Leon spit them out like Tsuna's gloves or did he really produce threads? If so, where do they come out?"
Tsuna left her to her questions and began taking his normal clothes off. When Mia saw him, she pointedly looked elsewhere to give him privacy. It didn't feel any different from his usual clothing. He fixed his collar. "Well, at least it's convenient. Would be a pain to fight in a suit or something."
"If you were going against an opposing Family then yes, you would have worn a suit but these are inter-Family matters. You can fight bare naked if you want."
Tsuna tried to ignore his tutor. He was agitated because his match was drawing close so fast. Did any of his friends feel like this before theirs? He was having problems with his tie when slim hands came into view. Mia took over and she fixed it for him. "Nervous?" she asked.
"Yeah," he grumbled. "But I'm not scared," he declared quickly at the look on her face. She smiled. She tucked his tie under his vest and patted it. For a moment, Mia looked like she was going to say something but then changed her mind. She hugged him instead. He hugged her back tightly as she did. There were no words that needed to be said. He buried his head into her shoulder. He hadn't noticed that Reborn discreetly left them alone.
His eyes flickered to the clock hanging on the wall. It was almost time. He didn't want to go but he had to. Mia must have sensed it too. He only had a split second to register her soft palm as she turned his face, and pressed her lips against his.
Holy hell she was kissing him.
He was so into it he didn't noticed that her other hand lingered a little too long on his ring. He hadn't even decided where to put his hands when it ended and she pulled back. He looked at her with shock, his face bright red. She laughed. "I guess I can get use to this."
He put his game face on when they entered the school grounds. Mia shadowed him from behind, her blue eyes striking in the moonlight. Xanxus was already there along with the Cervello. In addition to Levi and Belphegor, Lussuria and Mammon were also there. He handed the oxygen tank to Takeshi as he took his place in front of Xanxus.
He was smirking at him.
Tsuna could still feel the rage simmering somewhere deep inside him. But Mia's face came into mind, dirty and frightened. He will not let it take over again. Like Mia predicted it to be, it was a match that involved all of his Guardians. He already expected it but he still hated it. Then he turned around to face them. A sense of calm washed over him as he drank in their expressions. He met eyes with Mia and she smiled, her blue eyes shining. Have faith. She seemed to be saying.
Looking into each face Tsuna felt braver than he ever did before. They can do it. The boys gathered around for a circle except for Hibari. Mia stood next to Chrome while holding Lambo. Like they did in the other matches, they cried out his name like a war cry.
"Guys, be careful alright?" He told them.
"We've got your back Tenth!"
"And Mia's got ours," Takeshi said quietly. They turned to look at Mia, who had closed her what, they didn't understand. "Maa she's making us look bad. Let's work hard."
"Extremely defeat the enemy!" Onii-san suddenly punched the air. "Sawada, Xanxus is all yours!"
Tsuna nodded. Just before they left to their designated areas, the Cervello went around collecting the rings. He saw Mia returning the rings stealthily to Ryohei and Takeshi as she stood behind them just before they relinquished their rings. Mia sharpened her eyes to a glare when another Cervello came forward to take Lambo. She looked like she would have bitten the dark-skinned woman's face off but handed Lambo over without much of a fuss. There was a warning though, in her eyes. The Cervello seemed wary of even touching her.
When everything was set in place, the Cervello finally revealed the true horror of the Sky match. Tsuna had only thirty minutes before the poison kills his friends and within that time, must have gathered all rings to win unless his friends are able to stand and retrieve the rings on their own. It was a match where his friends' lives were ultimately in his hands.
"Tsuna." Mia reminded him. "Remember that this isn't your fight alone. It's everyone's."
Xanxus burst out laughing. "What nonsense is this? Is your stupid friendship going to defeat me?"
"Wouldn't it be hilarious if it did?" Mia retorted cheekily.
Xanxus ceased his laughing immediately. "Trash flower, I'm going to enjoy killing you."
Mia scoffed. "That's the best you can come up with? My grandfather has better threats than you do."
"Enough!" Tsuna hastily intervened. He shot a look at Mia. This wasn't the time for pissing people off! "Let's just get into the match already!" Perhaps he shouldn't have spoken too soon. A second later, he was sent flying, crashing so hard against the building he blew a hole in it. He was going to feel that in the morning.
"That was a cheap shot Xanxus!" Mia screamed angrily.
"He said he wanted to start. I did him a favor," Xanxus drawled.
The Cervello were already pushing them to the spectator's area and Mia was still glaring at Xanxus when Tsuna stepped out of the rubble, seemingly unhurt, a flame blazing brightly on his forehead. The end of Reborn's gun was smoking. Mia sagged in relief when she saw him. He brushed dust off his shoulder nonchalantly.
"Was that it?" taunted Tsuna. "Mia hits harder than you do."
Mia actually laughed. A tick appeared on Xanxus jaw. The area seemed to grow hotter as his rage began to climb. The Cervello took it as a sign to forcefully shepherd them into the Spectators Area. Mia gave him one last look before Basil pulled her away. Tsuna couldn't remember if he made the first move or not, only that the whole area had been consumed with bright flashing lights and the roar of flames.
Mia made it seem like watching was easy when it was really killing her from the inside. Every cell in her body wanted to jump right into it, to fight alongside with her friends. She couldn't. It wasn't her place.
But it didn't make it easy watching her friends suffer. What concerned her the most was Lambo who was the most vulnerable of them all.
A powerful explosion rocked the entire area and she stumbled. Xanxus had cleanly incinerated a large gaping hole in the school. That was what the Flame of Wrath could do. Tsuna barely dodged that. Despite the powerful display, Tsuna wasn't fazed. Instead, he taunted Xanxus and proceeded to attack him. When they collided, an even stronger explosion happened in the courtyard. Mia felt like the wind was suddenly knocked out of her. Her heart throbbed painfully and she grasped her chest.
"My Lady? What's wrong?" Basil asked her. She shook her head as the pain quickly disappeared. What was that? She quickly looked back to the screen. Tsuna had overwhelmed Xanxus. Despite what happened, a sense of triumph shot up. Xanxus had been knocked into the other building much like how Tsuna had been earlier and had disappeared through the rubble. She hoped it ended there but that didn't happen. As Tsuna rushed forward, they all heard the distinct sound of a gun's click.
Tsuna raised a shield but a stream of fire issued out, breaking through the shield and grazed Tsuna's shoulder. Xanxus flew overhead and landed behind him, a pair of pistols in his hands. Mia clicked her tongue at the sight of it, recognizing it for what it was and what it meant.
Tsuna was thinking the same thing. He rolled his injured shoulder back. His 'suit' definitely took most of the damage though a part on his neck hair had been singed off.
"I was thinking that I would mark you before I killed you just so that the world would recognize that you had been defeated by me, Xanxus," said Xanxus. His brow furrowed.
"Mark me?" he repeated.
Xanxus' hands glowed. "Mark your flesh like the swine you are… just like how I did to your trash flower."
He knew he was just baiting him. But he couldn't stop himself. "XANXUS!" he roared and shot towards him.
Tsuna barreled into him after, dragging him upwards and they crashed against the roof. As the dust settled, they stood on opposite ends. Tsuna was struggling with his emotions. His flames kept flickering from bright orange to red orange as he tried to keep his rage under.
"What's this?" Xanxus noted. "You're not going to use it?" Tsuna didn't answer. "Your trash ideology won't save yourself, your pathetic friends, or that girl. That flame alone won't be enough."
"I promised her." He remembered the look in her eyes. Mia hid things so well it was hard to know sometimes but her eyes gave it all away. She had been afraid. Afraid of him. Tsuna swore he would never use it and he intends to keep it that way. "I won't give in to it!" A second later, he was blasted off his feet.
"Pathetic," Xanxus sneered.
Tsuna flipped back on his feet. "Say what you want Xanxus, I'm not like you."
"As if trashes like you are any close to the likes of me."
"My flames are more than enough." He entered a fighting stance. Holding one finger out and with all the insolence only a teenager could, silently beckoned Xanxus to come at him. They shot into the sky. Tsuna chased Xanxus but his opponent had gained equal mobility. He slipped and Xanxus got into his blind spot. He could have dodged but his eyes glanced to the side and saw that the gym was in the line of fire. Chrome. He took it instead and with his gloves, redirected it somewhere else.
"I see," said Xanxus as they stood sideways on the building, held by the subtle release of their Flames. "Trying to save your Guardians? And what did you gain from that? I don't care if my subordinates die." To prove his point, the monitor switched to the Varia members. All were pleading to let them live. Disgust coiled in his stomach as he looked at Xanxus' uncaring expression. He really didn't care.
Xanxus pointed downwards and propelled himself himself to the sky. Two short bursts followed after, both speeding towards the Storm and Lightning areas.
"Here's some charity!" Xanxus said. Metal groaned as the towers collapsed. Xanxus laughed at the look on his face. "What's the matter? You didn't expect me to use this method? If you want to try it out, throw your gloves at them!" Then he laughed.
He didn't know what to do. He tried rushing towards the Lightning area but fire streamed across, effectively blocking him. "Did you forget that we're still fighting?" Xanxus smirked at him.
Defeating Xanxus first had been his plan but now…
Have faith. He remembered Mia saying. It was sort of hard to do that when two of your friends are in danger of dying in the next few minutes. He was stuck deciding on helping his friends or fighting Xanxus. Each second dragged on like an eternity, he was about to make a decision when the screen suddenly changed to show Hibari. He was challenging Belphegor to a fight. How in the hell was he moving around? As if to answer him, the screen changed again to show that the metal tower had been destroyed. Did Hibari do that?
That son of a monster. Tsuna wanted to laugh at his own foolishness. Mia had been right once again. With Hibari's appearance, it set the motion for the rest to move. Hayato had been able to intercept Levi just before he killed Lambo and even defeated him.
"So much for your 'charity'," said Tsuna, the cheekiest smirk on his face. Xanxus' eyes narrowed. The smirk melted away into a serious frown. Both Skies looked at each other before propelling upwards, colliding against each other like comets.
From below, Mia watched in stoic silence. She hadn't spoken since she parted with Tsuna. Seventy percent was worried about the others and the other thirty was wondering if everything on the outside was doing all right.
Ian had assisted by scouting the area before hand. Mia had to grudgingly admit that his skills as a scout and as an illusionist benefited them greatly. They had been able to find over twelve Varia teams scattered around the block surrounding the school and how many members were in each group. A total of fifty men. It made planning easier. In less than an hour she and Dino had been able to devise eight teams, tactically positioned for damage control in case Xanxus planned something shifty.
Not that Mia was undermining Dino's men. They were all brilliant people but she worried for the east and southern parts which were less defended than the others. To this Ian had declared to leave the east to him. She didn't know what he could do but decided to give it to him anyway.
Her stoic mask finally began to crack when Tsuna was suddenly hit with a barrage of shots and her heart did a dive. When she saw him fall and crash into the field, she clenched her fists to the point of almost drawing blood but unwilling to make a sound.
"Was… the difference in power always this great?" Colonello wondered. No one answered him.
"Don't make that face Mia," said Reborn.
"I'm sorry," she blurted out. Her voice was shaking.
"That last blow was hard but luckily he avoided it."
"Avoided?" Basil repeated.
"His vest." Mia realized. He had been saved by his equipment. "But…"
"Next time, there won't be a lucky break," said Shamal grimly. They knew it and he knew it too. He was battered, bloodied but still standing. Seeing him like that hurt her more than her own limbs breaking. Tsuna readied himself and brought his hands together with great effort.
"Tsuna plans on using that." Reborn seriously gazed at his student.
The tips of his index fingers and thumbs touched and a soft light emanated from the triangular space in his hands. His flame began to flicker while hope bloomed in her chest. But at the sight of it, Xanxus' expression drastically changed. He attacked Tsuna.
Tsuna tried to avoid him in the sky but he was worn down. Hunted like an animal, Xanxus shot him out of the sky. He spiraled downwards, crashing into the ground. But he stood up again and proceeded with the Zero Point Breakthrough. Xanxus tried again to stop him and Tsuna dodged his attack by jumping and sliding away.
"He doesn't have any energy left to fly!" Colonello exclaimed.
She wanted to scream but her horrified eyes remained fixed to the screen. Xanxus wouldn't let Tsuna get away and fired another barrage at him. This time Tsuna didn't dodge. A great cloud of dust exploded upwards. Mia felt her Flames crawl over skin as she sensed a great amount of Flames accumulating then vanishing at it was absorbed.
Never had she been more thankful for her abilities than at that moment. It was the only thing that convinced her that Tsuna was still alive but… her lower lip trembled. Tsuna wasn't getting up. His flame was gone.
"Get up please," she whispered under her breath. "Please."
Xanxus approached Tsuna's still form, ready to incinerate him when the Dying Will flame blossomed to life. She felt his Flames surging out of his body and into the earth as he brought himself to a stand. Cheers erupted from their side but Mia was just glad he was alive. So very, very glad.
"My Lady! It was a success!"
She nodded, too choked up to speak. She was so going to lay it on him when this was over. Celebration had to be cut short, as Xanxus burst into manic laughter. He sounded relieved.
"I don't know who told you, but that's not the Zero Point Breakthrough!"
"How the hell would he know what it was really like?" Mia asked. Indeed it was a Vongola technique but doubt began to creep in. Tsuna had taken so much damage as well…
"He's right," Reborn admitted.
"He's right?" Mia couldn't believe what he said. "You knew and you still had him learn it?!"
"Coming from someone who's mad enough to risk her life, you of all people should understand the risks Mia."
"That's - !"
"What Xanxus fails to see is that this technique is an opportunity for new techniques. The Minus state isn't just for a hollow shell waiting to be filled - it's a state for evolution. But even if Tsuna reaches this state, there's no guarantee that the technique he comes up with will be like the First's." Reborn set his eyes on the screen, waiting.
She stared at her tutor.
"Was this a failure then? Why did Sawada-dono go through such training then? To what end?" Basil asked. "To what end?"
Mia placed a hand on his shoulder. Basil looked to her but her eyes remained on the screen. "Evolution… let's not count Tsuna out just yet Basil."
"My Lady…"
Tsuna then attempted to do it again but this time, he changed its sign. He flipped his other hand, forming a diamond sign instead. "Aim carefully," said Tsuna, daring Xanxus to attack him again.
Back on the battlefield, Tsuna wasn't letting Xanxus deter him. He was sure he was doing the right thing. He may not know what it was but his Intuition never failed him yet. "I'm going to use my Zero Point Breakthrough to the end."
A cruel smile twisted Xanxus' mouth. "You're a smartass piece of trash."
"I learned from the best."
He should have learned that being a smartass wouldn't do him any favor. Still, he didn't regret being one even if Xanxus proceeded to kicking his ass around. His body was at his limit but he forced himself to get up even if he could barely stand. Xanxus took to the air again and circled him, constantly shooting him from all sides. He cried out in pain. His left side was trickling with blood. Was he going to die?
But if he died then surely Mia would cry.
There was nothing on this earth that he hated more than seeing her cry. He would never forgive himself for being the cause of her tears. They had only expressed their feelings for each other, he was supposed to go on a date with her and spend the last year of Middle school dicking around with his friends before getting serious for High school. There was still too much for him to do. Death can kiss his ass. He wasn't done yet.
Xanxus shot the most powerful blast he had and his world faded to black. He felt pain that was not his own. It clawed at his heart, desperate and anguished. He wanted it to be soothed. It was alright, he wanted to tell it. He got this. Everything clicked together and power surged through his veins, filling him with energy. Xanxus was in shock but quickly broke out of it as he shot upwards. Tsuna followed him and was flying parallel. He flipped, hitting Xanxus in the jaw with his foot.
Xanxus got angry. He charged towards him but Tsuna distracted him with a wave of flames then flipped behind him to backhand him down to the ground. Xanxus landed with an almighty crash. He hung in midair, upside down, waiting for Xanxus to get up. Furious, he shot at him again. His Flames took the foreign Flames, trickling into it, influencing it, making it his own before absorbing it. He felt the rush of power as his reserves were filled.
"This is impossible." Xanxus wasn't willing to accept it. "This is impossible!"
Tsuna was immediately in his face. He knocked Xanxus' arms away and punched him hard, sending him crashing into the building.
Tsuna felt the animosity even before Xanxus got up. It built up like rising lava. "I-I can't lose to an imitation Zero Point Breakthrough. To that piece of trash!" Steam began to emanate from him. "Shit, piece of shit… TRASH!" Xanxus' scars began spreading all over his face and hands. He was consumed with hate. Tsuna could feel Xanxus' powers rising. He couldn't stop the feeling of revulsion as dark energy gushed out of his opponent.
Xanxus attacked him once more but he dodged. It was too much for him to absorb. His body wouldn't be able to handle the conversion alone. Xanxus came to him and he abandoned his guns, opting to overwhelm him with sheer power alone. Then he felt it. A closure was about to happen. He could sense it. Tsuna caught him in a grapple but his Flames continued to flicker. He gritted his teeth as he felt the force of Xanxus' flames. He battled it with his own, unwilling to give up. His hands became so hot it was almost cold but he pushed on. Slowly, but surely he could feel his flames crawling over Xanxus'. The whole field was suddenly consumed with light as their powers reached their peak and they blew apart. A great deal of thick smoke filled the entire area and when it cleared, Xanxus' hands were trapped in ice.
He stared at his gloves with shock. They were steaming. He froze Xanxus' flames.
Xanxus didn't want to believe it and screamed in denial.
Mia couldn't believe it herself. The opposite of Flame… Frost? An ability to seal Dying Will Flames? Unheard of! But most of all she was in awe. There was no doubt in her heart that Tsuna had mastered the First's technique. The 'true' Zero Point Breakthrough that Xanxus had been yapping about the entire time.
"Impossible…" Squalo, who Dino brought with him, said through gritted teeth.
Squalo recognized it and so did Xanxus. Tsuna seemed to have figured it out himself as well. How Xanxus knew. "You must have been hit by it all over your body once," said Tsuna through the screen. He had been right. "You lose Xanxus."
Xanxus wasn't ready to be defeated. He chuckled, almost madly. "I was wondering what you would say." He laughed, unhinged, and then went on to slamming his hands down on his knees, slowly chipping away the ice. Cracks appeared and his Flames began leaking out.
Tsuna regarded his opponent warily. "If we continue, you'll receive wounds greater than those given to you by the Ninth." Tsuna had been full of surprises today now isn't he? Even Mia was caught off guard but soon realized that he was right. Who else would put that on Xanxus?
Xanxus lost it. "Shut it! I am the one worthy to be the Tenth! I am the man destined from birth to become the Tenth! A man who has two titles of 'ten' in his name!" If he wasn't so scarily deranged, Mia would have laughed at the logic. There were two tens in his name. It would have made twenty. "Do you think I would falter before you?" He charged at Tsuna. "I am Vongola Tenth!"
Tsuna met him first with a strong punch to the gut. Xanxus fell to his knees. Tsuna stood above him in his neutral state, his expression conflicted but determined. He went in, his mittens becoming gloves. He grabbed both of Xanxus' arms. Ice burst from his touch, spreading all over Xanxus' body.
"Why?" He had to ask. He needed to know. What could have possibly brought so much hate? "Why do you - "
"Don't you dare sprout the same thing that old did!" Xanxus snarled. Tsuna looked into his eyes and saw the fear and shame that was hidden with pride in his red eyes. His pained cries disappeared as the ice fully covered him, effectively sealing him. Tsuna stood back, pained by what he had done. He didn't kill him but he as good as did anyway.
"The ice will never melt." He knew. Not by normal means.
Fatigue suddenly besieged him and he collapsed on his knees. He couldn't end it here. Not yet. He still had to gather the rings. His friends…
"Killing you now won't take much effort," said Levi as he suddenly appeared with Lussuria.
"Nothing personal honey, but work is work!" said Lussuria. Parabolas surrounded him. They crackled with lightning. Exhausted as he was, Tsuna knew an illusion when he felt it. Knowing that, the illusion fell apart.
"Good work seeing through that," Mammon congratulated him. "But you don't even have the strength to crawl."
"It's no use," he panted out. "Xanxus will never wake."
"It's far from over boy." Mammon floated about Xanxus. "The ceremony for the succession of Boss is just beginning. The boss will revive again." Light shone through his hands. He opened them and revealed the Vongola rings. His friends? What happened to his friends?
"Do you know why the rings are given to the proper successors? It is because they hold a special power."
So that was how Xanxus had been defrosted. Mia began to understand what Mammon meant a 'special power'. Ian had once told her before that the rings were made from special ore, type of metal that could only conduct Dying Will Flames. She entered her second sight - not even bothering to care whether if it worked on screens or not - and gasped. Mammon was an accumulation of several colors. Indigo was the most dominant color but there were thin streaks of red, blue, yellow, green and purple. They were weak but she could see it. The rings detected it and each began glowing a different color. He only leaked a little of those colors out but the rings burst into different colored flames.
She felt the sensations from where she stood. Tsuna's own ring reacted in response to the others. It glowed and burst into orange flames. Mammon turned his back to Tsuna and went to Xanxus. The ice began to melt.
"They say when the seven Vongola rings are handed down, they say power is granted to the new Blood of Vongola."
"Blood of… Vongola?" Tsuna repeated. Suddenly, his ring had been snatched out of his hand by a knife as Belphegor appeared. The psychotic prince passed him but he was unable to do anything. He was too tired. He didn't have the energy left to move. Xanxus collapsed into the wet puddle, breathing shallowly. They were going to give Xanxus the rings.
"No," he protested out weakly. Not after everything. They can't just lose like this. His friends suddenly arrived. They called his name but it was too late. Belphegor had slipped the ring on to Xanxus' finger. Mammon placed the other rings in their slots in the chain. When all rings had been inserted, each began to glow. Light emanated from them, becoming brighter and brighter until a beam shot up to the sky as if the heaven itself was bestowing power.
Xanxus began to laugh loudly, drunk on the power flowing through his veins.
But something wasn't right.
The light was fading too quickly and the area around Xanxus cackled dangerously. Xanxus looked confused until a great spasm wrecked his body. He coughed, blood coming from his mouth and he shuddered. He fell forwards and remained still on the ground.
Tsuna couldn't believe what just happened. "The rings… they rejected Xanxus." But what did this mean? How could they reject a blood of the Vongola? Unless… he wasn't? He remembered very clearly. Mia said that to be an official candidate, first and foremost you must be related.
"Rejected?" said an angry Mammon. "What do you mean by that? Explain!"
"Don't feel so good… about yourself…" Xanxus sat up with the help of Belphegor. "That's right… I'm not related to the Ninth! So… Don't you dare feel sorry for me trash!"
That was the farthest thing he was feeling right now. If Tsuna still had any strength left, he would have said so. If anything, he finally understood. Reborn hadn't been wrong. He really was the only candidate. The Ninth must have chosen him to save Xanxus from the rejection. But… he wondered if this was the source of his hatred. Then, suddenly, a voice they all thought dead was projected all around.
Squalo spoke, empathy coloring his rough and beastly voice. "I knew."
"So you lived shark-trash? What do you know about me? Don't talk to me as if you understand."
"No! I know!" Squalo insisted. "I know!"
"Then tell me what you know!"
There was a brief silence but Squalo slowly began to speak. He spoke, recalling the coup d'état that he had been awake then, that he had heard everything. He went on about Xanxus' history. His delusional mother, the Ninth taking him in and his growth as a candidate, however he must have stumbled upon the truth at some point, bringing them where they are today. The betrayal was still raw on Xanxus' face as if it had happened yesterday.
Tsuna couldn't bring himself to feel sorry, not after all that Xanxus had done but he understood. The hate he had for Xanxus, quelled as understanding filled him. But Xanxus… he wouldn't let go.
"Pathetic."
Tsuna had enough. "You can't see it can't you? The Ninth didn't kill you even after you betrayed him was because he still loved you as his son! The Ninth acknowledged you more than anyone else did. The Ninth really did think of you as his own child!"
"Shut up!" Xanxus barked. "It's disgusting. Love is useless! I care nothing only but the position of Boss! You will all revere me! Support me! Serve me!" He really lost it. There was no convincing Xanxus otherwise. The ring slipped from his finger and the Cervello came forward.
"Xanxus-sama, we must consult to determine if the ring is suited to you."
"If it won't come true then I'll defeat everything in my path until it does!"
Belphegor and Mammon came closer to the Cervello when bombs came in between them. Hayato and the others faced them. "It's two against five! Give it up!"
"Two against five?" said Mammon. "What are you talking about? Your opponents are a force several times larger than this. An elite Varia squad with fifty members will be here any moment."
This was what Mia had been waiting for. The speakers were still on so she spoke up, "Technically, it is two against five." Her voice resounded across the entire school, calm and deadly.
Mammon scoffed. "You bluff girl."
"No, she's actually right," Dino spoke up. "My men as we speak are detaining several squads."
"Cavallone?!" Belphegor scowled.
"As if I'd let you bastards cheat," said Mia. As if on cue, a shot fired out of nowhere, nearly hitting Mammon. Everyone looked wildly around.
"A sniper!" Mammon cried. They were losing, Tsuna could see. They were effectively boxed in.
Three members of the Varia appeared. "R-Reporting for duty… our forces had been crippled and a man approaches from the south… with a strength of a demon…" said one. At that moment, a great gust of wind entered the field and the remaining Varia members were blown away by the devastating attack. Tsuna couldn't believe who he was seeing.
The steel ball returned to its owner, landing heavily beside him. Lancia greeted them with a smile.
Tsuna couldn't speak at first but he managed. "L-Lancia-san!" How was it even possible? Then Chrome said something, somewhere around the lines that Mukuro even had a hand in it.
At the sight of the strongest man in Northern Italy, Mammon and Belphergor switched tactics and attack him instead. But their attacks never landed because his Guardians rose to protect him. Hayato came to his side. "You alright Tenth?"
Tsuna grimaced. "I've got all limbs attached. S'okay."
Hayato smiled before taking his place among the others. Seeing as that there was no other way, Belphegor dropped his knives and they surrendered.
"Damn it," Xanxus continued to grief for his loss.
Hearing him deny it made Mia look away. Seeing someone so arrogant in their most pathetic state gave her no pleasure to see.
"Oi girl." Mia turned. Squalo's eyes were burning as he gazed at her.
"You and the other brats are now part of our world," said Squalo. "You will all regret it someday. All of you would have been better off dying in this fight."
Mia quietly regarded the Varia member thoughtfully. "Maybe," she replied ambiguously. She turned back to the screen where she watched as the Cervello quietly exchanged words with Xanxus.
"Now we will end the Ring Conflict and announce the results." Mia stiffened in anticipation. "Due to Xanxus-sama's disqualification, the winner of the Sky Match is Sawada Tsunayoshi." Happiness and relief burst inside her, almost making her cry. Tsuna looked shocked as well until the full weight crashed on him hard. He smiled despite being battered. They can all go home now. They didn't have to fight anymore. It was over.
His friends' smiles came into his mind, happy and carefree, a promise of good things to come. Mia's bright smile filled his mind.
With that, his eyes fell shut.
Mia watched Tsuna sleep, unable to get a single wink herself. They were at the hospital at the moment. As soon as the match was over, he had been rushed here to treat his wounds. Everybody who wasn't too hurt went home to rest at her insistence but she stayed behind with Tsuna. She had been assured by Dino that Tsuna would be alright but she couldn't stop worrying. She was afraid of going to sleep and having nightmares of him falling out of the sky. That and the incessant ache in her chest won't let her.
She didn't know what was happening but ever since the Cloud Match, an ache that she couldn't put her finger on was constantly felt. It felt like she had a bruise on her chest which was ridiculous since she hadn't even set foot on the field.
There was a knock on the door. "Come in," said Mia. A nurse stepped inside carrying a clip board.
"He's sleeping like the dead," noted the nurse. Mia frowned.
"Ian?"
The illusion faded away and Ian appeared, looking like he had gone to war, went home, then went to war again. His clothes had many burned edges and holes. There was a cut on his bruised cheek and his hair was slicked back with sweat. They were quiet for a moment then…
"Told you so," Mia quipped.
"Shut up," said Ian shortly.
She smiled fondly at Tsuna. "I knew he could do it." Ian didn't try to come closer, as if he was afraid that Tsuna would spring from his sleep and attack him. "I take it that you completed your other objective?" She pointedly looked at his clothes. She'll admit, most of the match she spent worrying on Tsuna.
She didn't care about the Cervello - not until by the end of it and by then, there wasn't a single hair or mask of them anywhere. Contracted construction workers immediately arrived on scene, repairing damages. They didn't speak or made eye contact with anyone as if they were paid to keep their distance. Maybe they were. She wondered how much the Cervello paid them.
"We captured one of them alive."
Mia turned her head around. He didn't look happy about it. "Then what's the problem?"
"She killed herself before I got to extract anything," said Ian bluntly. She winced. "They've scattered among the wind but because traces of your Flame are on them, it's still possible to track them down."
Mia remembered putting short strands of her Flame around the rings just before the match started. It hadn't been easy because if she had put too much they would have sensed it. Luckily it was scathing enough not to be noticed. They touched it so her strands would have attached themselves to them. She didn't know how that work but Ian assured her that they did. She had expressed her concerns that if they were so good at detecting flames, won't they sense hers? Ian then replied that the rings would be able to conceal her Flames. That was just how much of a powerful artifact it was.
"How long will that last?"
"A few hours at most."
A heavy awkwardness permeated the air. Mia didn't know how to proceed. Ian wouldn't leave so he must have been waiting for something. At last, she plucked a bit of her courage and said, "It's over. Tsuna is Vongola Decimo now."
"Indeed," Ian agreed. "It is done."
The way he said it with finality, raised goose bumps on her skin, as if something great had finally come to pass.
"Bear in mind, this is not over." She sharply turned to him. Ian's emerald eyes bore into hers. "There is nothing but hardship waiting for all of you on this path."
Mia snorted. "That's life. What's up with this? Are you worried?"
Ian gave an equal snort. "Don't think of yourself too much."
Mia frowned. "Ian… I truly am sorry. For your brother."
He instantly stiffened. "Save your apologies."
She sighed. She tried. That was more than enough. Her chest throbbed and she absentmindedly rubbed it. He noticed this and his eyes narrowed. "What?" she said. He was staring so intensely it was starting to make her uncomfortable.
"What have you been doing?" he inquired her unkindly. "You've been rubbing your chest the whole time."
"Was I?" she hadn't even noticed. He stared at her for a little longer then shook his head.
"You've been using it and probably more." Seeing as the she wasn't even denying it, Ian went on. "This may seem obvious but if you push it there will be serious repercussions on your body. Worst case scenario is dying." She flinched and he took pleasure in seeing that. He chuckled. "You're actually quite the masochist."
"S-Shut up," she muttered. "But… will it go away?" she asked.
"In time." She sagged in relief in her chair. Ian eyed her a little longer before donning his illusion once more. Without another word, he left. Mia wanted to thank him, despite what he had done but knew her thanks wasn't welcome any more than her apologies. She leaned over and brushed Tsuna's bangs back then slid her hand down to his cheek.
"Wake up soon okay?" she murmured.
Tsuna woke up a day later in his bedroom. He squinted at the sunlight streaming into his room and slowly got up. He couldn't remember everything that happened, but he recalled the match just before he blacked out. They had won. Remembering that, he became more awake. With the memories came the pain as well. He was sore all over. He was trying to check on his left side when the door opened when Mia came in.
They stared at each other.
"Mia…" He was so happy to see her but Mia looked like she was still in shock. His expression dropped. "Mia?" He was alarmed by the tears gathering in her eyes and he quickly stood up, only to sway where he stood.
Mia wordlessly steadied him. He looked at her face and saw that she was trying so hard not to cry. She blinked furiously and her lower lip was trembling. It made him both guilty and happy. If it was any consolation, he felt the same thing whenever she did something dangerous. He cupped her face with his hand. He suddenly remembered something.
"Mia… remember what I was telling a few days ago? I wanted to tell you something after it was over."
Her cute cry face turned into a cute cry-frown. "What?"
He grinned. "Will you go out with me?"
Her reply was swift and stony. "No."
"What?!" said Tsuna, pulling away, aghast.
She burst out laughing and he scowled at her. But he couldn't help it. He ended up laughing with her. Whenever they were going to stop laughing, they would look at each other and burst into snorts and giggles. He didn't even know what they were laughing about but it felt good. Finally, their laughs trailed off.
Mia smiled warmly at him. "I'd love to go out."
His chest filled with affection and leaned forwards to kiss her. She blocked him with her hand and he ended up kissing her fingers. She smirked. "Oral hygiene comes first." He flushed and she laughed at him again. "Nah, I'm just kidding." She threw her arms around his neck and kissed him.
His eyelids fluttered to a close. "That's the second time you got me," he whined at her when they pulled apart.
"I know right? Want to see how I'll get you the third time?"
Author's Note:
And that's a wrap! The Varia Arc is officially over folks!
I remember this chapter being a challenge to write. There was so much going on but that's what happens when you write a story with such a large cast. One thing I just wanted to touch on in this chapter was that this was the moment that reality hit Xanxus. Hard. It was only after this that he started mellowing out. Sometimes you just need a good wake-up call to start change.
Anyways, thanks for reading!