Author notes

Wow, that took a long time to write... I planned to make weekly updates but one minute it was Monday and then suddenly it was Saturday! T_T Gomenasai!

In other news I drew Chibi Azunya! XD and some chibi Cielo as well! As usual link to my deviantart account is in my profile XD

Scarlet rose white: Thanx again for the review ^_^

uniquemangalover: Thanks for always reviewing! Your constant support is appreciated XD

Akayuki Sawada: YAY! someone reviewed with their dying will! About Azusa... Lets just say "like father, like daughter" :3

nenu145: Thanks for reviewing! Glad I managed to pique your interest! XD

girlluvsblondie: Yay! another one reviewed with their dying will! pls tell me where I can get some dying will bullets!

Let the chapter begin!

End notes

Merda, I hate maths… After spending about fifteen minutes staring at the squiggles on the board and trying to understand what the teacher was saying, I just gave up and stared out the window. No matter how hard I try it all just looks like gibberish to me…

I wonder if Reborn-sensei will actually be tutoring us rather than just using us as punching bags. I still ache all over from this morning's "lesson". Though, even if he does help with my studies I seriously doubt I'll be able actually learn anything. Pretty much every teacher I've ever had gave up on me.

Kai tutors me most the time but, I guess even a genius like him can't help me… At least he takes the time to attempt to help me, which I'm very grateful for. I'm able to scrape a pass on important tests thanks to him.

Speaking of Kai, he doesn't seem to be in a very good mood right now…

Glancing back at him I can see he's still glaring at the transfer student, Sumi-chan. While this casts a dark cloud over the rest of the class, the girl in question doesn't appear all that bothered by it at all. Wow, she must have nerves of steel…

I wonder what she did to piss him off anyway. Is it because she came over before? Maybe she's just sitting too close… But there seems to be something else bothering him as well, since he keeps glancing to the gym with an annoyed expression… I'll have to ask him later. Luckily it's almost lunch time. Damn, I'm so tired and hungry…

I stretch as everyone starts to head off to wherever it is they go at lunchtime. I turn to Kai, only to find he's already half way out the door. He appears to be in attack mode right now… I think I'll wait 'til after he's bitten his victims to death before I talk to him…

For some reason he's able to sense when and where there's a disturbance or something going on. I figure he's got this "there-are-people-that-must-be-bitten-to-death radar" or something like that… I wonder if that's why he's so pissed off… As I ponder this over, a shadow looms over my desk.

"Cielo-kun," My head snaps up at the sound of Sumi-chan's gentle voice. "Would you like to eat lunch together?"

"Whoa, I so did not see that coming!"

Heck neither did I. This has to be the first time someone's asked me to spent lunch together with them. Of course, all I managed to say was an unintelligent "Eh?" before the rest of the class started objecting loudly (feeling brave now that Kai had left the room).

"Kasumi-san, don't bother with dame Sora." said the girl with two long plaits.

"Yeah! You don't want to be seen with a loser like him!" a guy with gelled up hair snickered.

"You better not get too close to that anyway!" It was eyebrow girl's turn now, she spat out the word "that" rather disgustedly sending me a glare. "He's cursed!"

"That's right! You don't want the demon to curse you too!" cried a frightened boy.

I rolled my eyes as the terrified murmurs began circulating around the room. Do they seriously believe in such childish things like curses in this day and age?

"C-come and have lunch with us instead!" The girl Kai threatened to bite to death for her (obviously dyed) pink hair came up beside the bewildered Sumi-chan. "You're from France right? What's it like over there?"

I gather up my remaining books as they start swarming over her, and head out to lunch; making sure to take my bag with me to keep it from ending up in a tree or getting torn up. I glance back at Sumi-chan as I head out the door. I bet that by tomorrow she'll want nothing to do with me. I shake my head and continue on my way, ignoring the dull pang in my chest.

I start towards the roof, but stop suddenly and instead head off in the opposite direction. The strange tingly feeling in my gut is telling me to go to the gym. I wonder why?

"I have a bad feeling about this…" Me too…

I was halfway to the gym when a group of guys past by me gossiping excitedly amongst themselves. Normally I wouldn't even acknowledge this at all, but then I overheard them say my brother's name. Merda, what has he done now?

I trail along behind them listening to the conversation.

"Sawada did what to Sasagawa Emi!?" screeched blockhead one.

"Bwahahaha! This is a riot! Can you believe that Sawada Masamune would humiliate himself like that!?" Blockhead two spat out between fits of laughter.

"There's no way that's true!" Well what-do-ya-know it's Baldy, Masamune's personal lackey.

"It is so! I saw it with my own eyes!" Blockhead three shouted defensively.

"Me too! You should have seen the look on Morita-senpai's face! It was so scary!" Blockhead number four piped up.

"Wasn't it? He even challenged Sawada to a duel! I'll bet they're at the gym now!" Blockhead the third announced excitedly.

"Seriously? That guy doesn't stand a chance against the captain of the kendo club!" snorted Blockhead one.

"Hahahaha! Looks like 'dame-ness' runs in the family!" Blockhead two laughed again.

"Yeah! Come on, let's go check it out!" Blockhead one giggled.

Shocked, I came to a halt and watched them run on ahead of me. Oh, Dio… Don't tell what I saw this morning was actually real? Merda Masamune! What the diamine were you thinking!? Even if you like Sasagwa-san there are other better ways to confess your feelings! And now he's gotta fight the kendo captain!?

Masamune may be strong and all but he couldn't win in a fair fight against an experienced fighter! Though I highly doubt that guy will play fair… and knowing Masamune he'll have some kind of trick up his sleeve too. Ugh, why do I get the feeling that I'm the one who's going to end up dealing with this?

I should do something about this before it gets out of hand… But what can I do? What anyone do about it? Even Kai wouldn't be able to stop the fight from happening; sure he could stop it today but then they'd just go somewhere else afterschool. Sigh, a loser like me doesn't stand a chance… Guess I'll just call it a day and go home.

"A mafia boss should never give up so easily."

"Hiiiieeeee!" For the second time today Reborn-sensei's sudden appearance scares me shitless. Seriously, why does he keep doing that!? Wait a minute… is he even allowed to be here on school grounds?

"Of course, I am a 'sensei' after all." Came the smooth reply.

"Stop reading my mind!" Seriously, it's starting to freak me out… besides that doesn't make any sense. He acts like he's above the law or something…

"That's because I am."

Le face palms.

"Now there's a comeback that you just can't reply to."

This guy is just so— Oh screw it. I give up. Moving on, "So…? What are you here for anyway?"

"I'm seeing whether or not you're acting like a mafia boss." He lowered his fedora so it shaded his eyes. "It's a quite the chore when looking after two students."

"Eeeeh!? I don't want to be a mafia boss!" Who would want to be part of something as dangerous and scary as the mafia!? "I'm just 'no good' anyway, so don't bother with me!"

"Hmph, 'no good' is it?" He smirked with a knowing glint in his eye… What's with that? "So you're running away from everything like the 'no good' coward you are?"

"Hai, hai… that's right. I'm useless scaredy cat 'dame' Sora who can't do anything right." my voice dripping with sarcasm.

He chuckles a little, "So? What are you going to do about your baka brother, dame Sora?"

"Haah? Yeah right, like I can do anything!" I scoffed, but the demon tutor just smirked again.

"Staying true to your 'dame' nature are we? You really are quite useless."

I roll my eyes. "Yes, I believe we've already established that fact."

"So you're going to run away?" It sounded more like a statement than a question.

"No one's ever gonna listen to a loser like me anyways, so why bother trying?" I turn away from him making to leave, believing the conversation (if you can call it that) to be over. But then I heard the familiar sound of a gun cocking. Surprised (and a bit curious) I turn back to him.

"It's finally your turn." I don't like the happy look in those obsidian orbs… "I'm looking forward to seeing the reaction." R-reaction…? Of what? "Go die now."

"WHAAAAT!?" Was all I managed to say before a gunshot split the air.

Fear is a very strange emotion (in my opinion anyway). It's also one of the most common and normal emotions you can feel.

Every one fears something. Masamune has many fears and phobias; arachnophobia (fear of spiders), allodoxaphobia (fear of opinions. Or so I believe he has), keraunophobia (fear of thunder and lightning), and I'm sure there are many more… I do believe being seen running around in only his underwear is also one of his fears.

It's natural to fear something that could harm you. Generally people are afraid things like heights, the dark, fire, sharp objects (like knives), being hit by a car/train/truck/whatever vehicle and of course guns.

I am not afraid of any of these things. Why? Well, when you have an invisible and powerful friend (who is rather overprotective, I might add) constantly beside you, you tend to feel pretty safe around dangerous things.

I'm not afraid of heights (in fact I really like high places) because I know that even if I fall Aigís will always catch me. I don't think I was ever afraid of fire, perhaps I had always known about that other 'unique' ability I had within me. I knew that Aigís would save me that time I nearly got crushed by that truck. I wasn't afraid of the truck per say, more that Kai's sister, Tsubaki, was there too.

Only an idiot would swing around sharp objects like knives; I knew what I was doing and Aigís would never let them hurt me, so I was never scared of handling knives. Guns are useless against Aigís. I tested it once before with one of Uncle Gokudera's guns, he stopped the bullet from hitting the wall almost instantly.

The dark… I used to be afraid of the dark, or rather the creatures that lurked in the dark. They used to haunt me and they'd hurt me whenever I was left alone at night. Everyone just told me monsters weren't real and it was just a nightmare, but nightmares don't drag you around the room and claw at you, snapping their fangs into your flesh!

It's okay now though. Aigís stopped being scared of them and he's much stronger than they are now. He protects me from the things in the dark, so I don't have to be afraid should they ever appear again.

Even though I knew I would be safe no matter what, Padre didn't seem to understand. He was always nagging me and he never let me do anything fun!

It was always: "Cielo! Don't swing on the chandelier!" or "Cielo! Don't climb up the bookshelves!" or "Cielo! Don't set fire to the guard dogs!" or "Cielo! Put the knives back in the kitchen!" or "Cielo! Don't play with the suits of armour!" or "Cielo! Don't stick things into the power socket!"

…Okay, I'll admit he was right about the power socket. Children! You must never ever stick your finger or anything in a power socket! IT F****** STINGS LIKE HELL! (Plus it makes you feel all tingly for hours afterwards…) But in my defence, when an adult tells a kid not to do something, it just makes you want to do it more… let's just say lesson learned…

If I had to pick something that I'm actually scared of, it would probably other living human beings (and their dogs…). Humans can hurt others without ever physically touching them. When you think about it, we're probably one of the most destructive and hateful creatures on the planet. Yay, for humanity…

Aigís could protect me from my bullies and anyone else that tries to hurt me, but well… In order to even touch another living thing Aigís needs me to help him, and I just can't do it anymore. I already learnt a long time ago that sometimes it hurts more to harm others than it does when you're harmed.

Anyway the point is I'm not really afraid of dangerous things like guns and such. So when Reborn-sensei pulls out his gun and takes aim at me I was 100% sure I would be perfectly fine; I had Aigís after all.

Of course the fact he was shooting at me at all had left me rather dumbfounded so I just stood there gaping like an idiot when the bullet came flying towards me. I was even more shocked when it not only bypassed Aigís's barrier, but it also hit me dead on in the forehead.

I toppled backwards to the floor. There was a searing hot sensation where the bullet hit me. And then… and… umm…

"…"

Nothing happened… I sat up.

"Hm?" Reborn-sensei raised an eyebrow.

Tentatively I raised my hand to my forehead, expecting there to a wound, but there was nothing. Other than just feeling really hot, there was no blood, no wound, nothing! What gives!?

I raise my eyes questioningly to sensei's blank ones. For a few seconds we just stare silently at one another, before he raises his gun again, "Just to make sure."

"Hiiieee! Wait a second here—" BANG! He shoots me again! Once again Aigís can't stop the bullet and I'm sent back to the ground…

…and once again, nothing happened! Seriously what gives! I was definitely shot right!? Other than a little heat, I don't feel any different (or dead) at all!

Sitting up again I stare quizzically at Sensei's face "U-umm…?"

A malicious smirk is plastered on his face, "An interesting reaction indeed." He chuckles darkly.

Holy shit! I seriously can't tell if he's incredibly happy, or thoroughly pissed off! So scary! This is definitely something to be scared of!

Another gunshot sounds and a bullet flies past my cheek. "Hiieee!?" What the hell!?

"Dame Sora. A real man never runs away from his problems." He tilts his fedora over his eyes again. "Whether your 'useless' or 'no good' is of no consequence, as your home tutor I'll make you into a proper man. A true artist can create a masterpiece with any tool and material after all."

…Somehow… this guy… said something really cool just now…

"So…" I flinch at the sound of the cocking gun. "Hurry up and get moving already!"

"HIIIIEEEEEEE!" I dash down the hall avoiding the spray of bullets. I take back what I said about him being cool; he's just too damn scary!

In the end, I came to see Masamune's fight… Reborn-sensei was right about one thing; even if I'm 'dame' I'm not powerless. Even I have things that only I can do. Besides… no one wants to be a loser all the time…

The gym was quite packed. The majority of Masamune's followers are here, as well as the whole kendo cub by the looks of it. There's a bunch of other randoms here too. Why does everyone get so excited about seeing a fight? I wonder where Kai is observing this from. He must be somewhere nearby…

As I sneak along the wall I spot Sasagawa Emi standing off to the side with Morita-senpai mooning over her. She looks rather disgusted but her friends look pretty happy; all starry eyed and blushing madly.

"You'd think he was flirting with them instead of Sasagawa."

With a snort I head up to the second floor so I can actually see what's going on. Doesn't look like Masamune is here yet; I hope he's smart enough not to come… Oh… no… there he is…

You dumbass… Do you honestly think you can win!?

He and Morita-senpai stand in the centre of the gym with the huge crowd circled around them. Senpai appears to be boasting as he explained the rules; wow, what a cazzo. As usual, Masamune's acting was impeccable; he looked confident and unfazed by Morita's obvious skill as kendo captain. However, I could see the fear in his eyes and the way his knees shook.

Geez, if you're so scared then why the diamine did you come?

"…The insect is making a scene…" Kai stated as he magically appeared beside me.

"Ahaha…" I sweat drop at Masamune's nickname. He had demoted Masamune from being an 'herbivore' to an 'insect' over the past couple of years. "Yes, well… It could be worse, right?"

"Hn." He narrows his eyes but remains where he is.

With a sigh I lean on the railing. Kai isn't one to interfere in a legitimate (if you can call it that) fight. Yep, he's only here to break up the crowd after it ends, and to keep a riot from starting… Looks like I'll have to be the one to save Masamune from public humiliation… Fantastico…

The two of them are well within Aigís's range so if worse comes to worst I can always get him to protect Masamune from being utterly pulverised… He doesn't exactly like the idea of helping him though…

"Prepare yourself, Sawada!"

Crap they've started!

Masamune manages to block Morita-senpai's swing, but his hold on the bamboo sword is awkward and his stance is unbalanced. He's definitely going to lose… Suddenly, I hear the familiar sound of a cocked gun and begin to glance around anxiously in search of the source.

I spot the oh-so-familiar black fedora by the window on the opposite side to where I'm standing. Merda! He's taking aim at Masamune this time! How is that no one else notice the gunshot!? Utterly helpless I just watch frozen in horror as the bullet flies through the air towards him.

AHHHH! IT HIT HIM!

HE'S FALLING!

HE'S GETTING BACK UP!?

HIS CLOTHES ARE GONE!

"At least he still has his underwear." THIS ISN'T THE TIME FOR JOKES!

Wait… on his forehead… is that… a flame?

I don't have time to contemplate this as Masamune begins to fight back rather ferociously against Morita-senpai. Wow, look at him go! He's amazing! But he's ridiculous! He's amazingly ridiculous! Just what the diamine is going on!?

Somehow he won. It was totally one-sided on his part. I still can't believe it.

There isn't time to celebrate as the rest of the kendo team start to close in on him. The flame on his forehead has fizzled out and he no longer has that crazed look in his eyes. I don't think he can fight back anymore…

"Herbivores," The sound of Kai's voice causes the whole room to stop dead. "You are crowding."

That was all the warning they needed (and all they were gonna get from Kai) as they began to stampede out of the gym, leaving us, Masamune, a few of his followers and Sasagawa-san too. Masamune looked rather bewildered as his friends came up to congratulate him. But you're still half naked there…

"Dame Sora." My head snapped up just in time to see the bundle of clothes being thrown at me. Clumsily I managed to catch them. "I believe your brother needs these."

"R-reborn-sensei! Just then what did you—" Bang! "Hiiieee!"

"Don't dawdle."

"H-hai!" I stammer and start to back away.

"Who are you?" Kai demanded eyeing sensei dangerously with his whip out.

"Chaos, Hibari Kai." Sensei greeted smoothly. "I am Reborn."

"H-he's the home tutor… from yesterday…" I explain.

Kai tilts his head in understanding "Hn…" He seems pretty interested in Reborn-sensei. There's a strange tension between them, and feeling my life may be in danger if I remain here I flee down the stairs.

As I pass Masamune's group I shove the bundle of clothes in his arms (which he grudgingly accepts) and then run back to class. Sigh, lunch is nearly over and I haven't eaten anything yet… I guess I just try to wolf down as much as possible before the teacher arrives…

I'll definitely have to ask Reborn-sensei about that bullet when I get home. If it was the same one as what he tried to shoot me with then, why didn't it work? Not that the idea of being stripped to my boxers appeals to me in the slightest, but the flame on Masamune's forehead… What is it exactly?

Does this mean I'm not the only one with the ability to produce fire out of nothing? Argh, my head hurts from all this heavy thinking! Let's just focus on class for now and return to that when I get home…

Notes again

Dying will bullets are ineffective on Cielo! mostly because he already has an active flame, and partly because I just don't like the idea of my baby running around half naked in public. Masamune: yes I can see it. Cielo: no, just no. XD

GUESS WHAT! today is November 6th! Tomorrow is November 7th meaning it's Cielo's birthday tomorrow! I should do something! maybe I'll bake a cake...

Wanted: A beta reader.

Yep I've been thinking this for a while now, and I believe I need a beta to help me write this. Mostly I just need someone to help me develop plot ideas and hound me for updates (cause I tend to procrastinate a lot lately...). So yeah, if anyone is interested in beta-ing this story just let me know :3

Love NyanNyan-suru :3