Chapter 16

Squalo entered the hospital room when he heard the loud boisterous voice of the storm and sun guardian arguing. "Making me do this… stupid boss. You owe me big time," Squalo grumbled.

With a collected expression and signature glare, Squalo kicked the door open which effectively made the teenagers stop what they were doing inside. "VOIII!"

Gokudera sprang up like a cat and lunged at the assassin who effortlessly stepped to a side causing the bomber to crash into the wall. "Haha! Yo Squalo!" the rain guardian with his thousand watt smile greeted the grumpy Varia captain.

"Stupid brat, have you finally mastered the ways of a katana?"

Yamamoto sheepishly shrugged his shoulders which fueled Squalo's annoyance. A loud bark of orders to start training and stop slacking got both sportsmen out of the room, dragging a furious bomber behind.

Once the room was silent once more, Squalo turned his attention back to the brunet he was supposed to deal with. He pinched the bridge of his nose and sighed. Tsuna, unused to having the mental image of a scary Varia member sighing, jumped and tripped over his own tongue making the words that come out jumbled up. Squalo strode over in a few lengthy strides and snatched the younger boy's chin in his glove covered fingers.

Tsuna froze and time stood still. Cold sweat prickled right beneath his skin threatening to break out any time as Squalo tilted his head left and right several times. "Please don't break my neck… I don't want to die yet!" Tsuna mentally screamed.

Squalo released him after a while. "No sense of sex appeal at all. I wonder what that boy sees in a shrimp like you anyway," Squalo flicked his long hair back gracefully and Tsuna turned crimson. Scarlet spread like wild fire all the way down his neck and behind his ears. "W-w-w-what?"

Squalo snorted. "So innocent, I didn't know he was his type. How interesting to know that this boy here would become one of the most feared men in the world. What would happen if those famiglias knew it was just a naïve boy who blushes tenfold at the mention of sex," Squalo mused.

"You heard me. Sex appeal. By the way I heard that your boyfriend made you blind, I know you can't exactly see right now but I thought a change of environment might be good. Where do you want to go?"

Tsuna blushed initially when Squalo bluntly repeated the word 'sex' but lit up almost instantly at the thought of going somewhere else instead of staying in a hospital.

"Can we go to the park? I want to go to the park near Namimori forest where there is a small river nearby!" Tsuna gushed with a sunny smile that brightened the dull hospital walls.

Squalo suppressed a blush rising from the boy's innocent reaction. "S-sure." He then carried Tsuna and jumped out of the window. Tsuna did not seem to register what happened so it was not frightening. He was more than glad to be able to walk about.

Once at the park, Squalo got Tsuna some snacks and sat down on the bench watching the brunet beside him munching away blissfully. He frowned. How should he explain this to the boy without leaving a mental scar on that innocent mind?

"Voii… do you like that kid?'

Tsuna stopped munching for a while and tilted his head to a side. "Who?"

"That Hibari guy… he seems unfriendly."

Tsuna giggled. "Ah, of course. He may not be the nicest person and his character makes it hard to get along with but he has a kind heart."

"Kind heart? Are you blind? That kid can perform murder without feeling anything!"

Tsuna flinched and Squalo realized his mistake. "So-sorry, I didn't mean it that way like you are blind but I meant… who… what…"

Tsuna gave him a small smile and assured "It's ok. Hibari-san may be like this but I always believe that animals, especially little ones, can tell a person's true character. Hibird and Rolls are fond of him. So are other animals like Uri, Enzo and Leon.

All the animals I know of bully me because I am that sort of person by nature. I am really timid and bad at everything I do. I don't even know what Nono sees in me that he was so determined for me to succeed as the tenth and even sending Reborn the best tutor I can ever ask for, but please don't let him know, down to Japan just for my sake when I'm just another failure in life.

During the ring battle I had actually hoped Xanxus would win and leave as the next heir so long nothing is changed in my life and that none of my friends are hurt. However when I realized it was impossible when the rings rejected him I took on that burden unwillingly.

I never wanted to become the boss of such a dangerous world. This world has enough darkness. If anything, I want to become someone to help contribute to the society to make it brighter and better. I have thoughts as a child to become some sort of hero to defeat bad people and make others safe and happy.

I never expected my world to be so twisted and that fate throw me into a darkness where my light would never shine in. I can only try so much but there is no end to the darkness in my future. I'm only trying to make the light I have now shine as brightly while it lasts before I am consumed by that mafia world. Perhaps Reborn does not know yet but I feel the need to save everyone.

I did my best and saved Yamamoto from his death, I also help Gokudera overcome his blindness to the value of his life. I kept my word to onii-chan to protect Kyoko as well as tried to be a nice big brother to Lambo. I did my best to make Chrome feel welcomed and wanted as well as forgave Mukuro for everything. I kept Namimori save several times and maybe even the world. However I feel like my existence would become meaningless if there is no one else who needs me. After I save Hibari-san I will surrender myself to the darkness and inherit the Vongola's sins. Those countless lives taken and bloodshed will take over my soul. Sawada Tsunayoshi will cease to exist then. There will only be Vongola Decimo. I will become the great Vongola boss that everyone else wants by then.

But for now I still wish to save Hibari-san. That is how I feel about him. I like him. I like everyone too. I like my mother and even the bullies at school. However if you ask if I love anyone, I don't have anything like that. As a boss I cannot be selfish at all. That was what Dino told me. A boss lives for the sake of his famiglia and not just himself or for another one person. If my famiglia wants me dead I must not resist. To be the Vongola Decimo is indeed the worst punishment to have from the sins of my previous life. I only wish this life to be over quickly."

Squalo listened to the small brunet thoroughly stunned. Who would have thought that a brunet like him who was also so positive would have such a dark heart? And what was that about the stupid Cavallone? A boss should live for the sake of his famiglia and not just for himself or for just one other person? His boss was the perfect contradiction of hat the bronco said. His boss lived for no one else except himself and did everything according to how he feels without considering anyone else even if it meant sending his subordinates to death.

"I was supposed to ask him about how he felt with making that bloodthirsty prefect his Vongola mate but after hearing this I think I should inform Xanxus first."

"I see. Do you know that there is someone more powerful than the Vongola Don?"

Tsuna frowned. "As far as I am told the Vongola Don is the most powerful person."

Squalo's lips pursed into a thin lie. "Vongola Dons are human. They make mistakes. In that time another person is given the authority to override whatever orders the Vongola Don makes. However he or she will only be given this chance once in their life while the Don they are bound to is still in reign."

"Is that a lover?" Tsuna asked.

Squalo shook his head even though he knew Tsuna could not see. "No. It could be a stranger. Primo's mate was Cozart Primo his good friend."

"I see. I need someone like that too huh?" Tsuna whispered. Squalo chose to remain quiet.

The silence dragged on and it became unbearable to Squalo. So he brought the question up "Who would you like as your mate?"

Tsuna thought long and hard.

He did not want to implicate anyone not involved in the mafia. The only ones he knew in the mafia were Dino, the arcobalenoes, his guardians and some odd people. The arcobalenoes and Dino were out. They had too heavy responsibilities. The odd people like Bianchi and I pin were not ready to make such important decisions. Among his guardians Lambo was too young and Gokudera and Ryohei were too hot headed. That leaves for Yamamoto, Mukuro and Hibari. Tsuna thought about Yamamoto who seemed like a good choice. However he had Gokudera as a lover and Tsuna knew it even though they were both not open about it. For his friends' sake he left Yamamoto out. Then he thought of Mukuro. It would be too risky for Mukuro to be the mate due to his eccentric character and extreme hate for the mafia. It was like helping a lion to sharpen its claws. Tsuna's mind wandered to Hibari. It might seem like a bad choice at first for Hibari because of his devil may care attitude. However Tsuna has never seemed to recall any situations that were dire which Hibari was absent on. Hibari was always there even though he was silent. He cares but he chose not to show it. He always protected and watched over the people at school and Namimori in his roundabout ways.

Squalo seemed to see that Tsuna had more or less made up his mind. He probed further for an answer. Tsuna was hesitant initially but answered "If there were anyone, I would never choose a stranger to trust the lives of my friends in. I would choose someone who will always watch over us and can always be trusted to make the right call at even the most crucial times when everything and everyone is falling apart. That person will never fail no matter what. If that is the case the only person capable of it will be and must be Hibari-san. I know you may disagree with me and so will many people but if you think about it carefully there has never once been an occasion that Hibari-san has abandoned us. If anything he will always be the first one to make a move before trouble hits us. When everyone has fallen and is down, Hibari-san will always be there fighting and even when I feel discouraged, seeing him stand proud despite on the brink of death makes me feel safe. There can be no one else except Hibari-san that I will choose as mate. If anyone and everyone opposes, I would rather relinquish this position as Decimo to Xanxus."

Squalo laughed for two reasons. The boy had exceeded his expectations and having the skylark as mate will be much easier even against the secret alliance Don. Secondly, if the boy truly meant what he said then he was truly stupid. "I think the boss will have your head the moment he gets his hands on the rings."

Tsuna laughed too. "Of course. I wouldn't have it any other way." This stuns Squalo for a moment. "When did this boy become so mature?" he thought.

They waited till the sun was almost out of sight before making their way back to the hospital.

Meanwhile in an alley that Xanxus had dragged Hibari to, the prefect listened intently to Xanxus when he explained the role of a mate in the Vongola.

"Why are you telling me all these?"

Xanxus gave him a ridiculous look. "It's almost set in stone that you are going to be the next mate if everything goes well."

"Not that I'm particularly interested but seeing how I can progress my relationship with Tsunayoshi I will take up the offer. What is the problem right now?"

Xanxus grimaced. "That idiot of a horse tutor of yours is the secret alliance head and he's against it."

Hibari turned his back to the Varia boss and drew his shiny tonfas. "I'll get rid of him. Give me his location."

Xanxus's eyes nearly dropped from their sockets. "THIS DAMN BRAT! DOES HE KNOW WHAT HE'S DOING? He'll get us all killed!"

Hibari was about to make a move when Xanxus grabbed him roughly from behind and dragging him away from the direction of the main street. He hissed "You IDIOT! Do you know what this means if you kill the bronco? True that horse might be an idiot but if you kill him the chances of you becoming the mate is zero and also that shrimp of a kid might be killed. This world isn't as simple as you kids make it to be. It's not a game. The Vongola will not tolerate traitors. If you kill him you are declaring a war against the entire Vongola even if their decision has been made. That kid you love will be marked betrayer because you, his cloud guardian, started an act of hostility. The omerta will not stand for brothers killing each other unless one's woman is coveted."

Hibari grit his teeth with annoyance and snarled "Then what do you suggest I do?"

Xanxus looked him in the eye. Crimson clashed against cobalt gray. "Leave this to the arcobalenoes. They will do something. You try to win that brat over. Acknowledge your own feelings for him and get him to return yours although I think getting you to admit your love for him will be near impossible for you."

Xanxus smirk as the other man took up his challenge with a feral grin promising disappointment. "Nothing is impossible for me."

"Oh really? I shall look forward to it then," the Varia leader smirked. This task isn't as boring as he thought it might have been. It has proven far more interesting than he gave credit for. The boy, no, man was more human than he thought.

Once the prefect left, Xanxus took out his phone and read the message sent by his shark. He frowned. Within seconds, the alley was empty once again.

Xxx Destiny Aitsuji xxX

Aria and Reborn agreed on their plan with a friendly kiss. Reborn bade goodbye to the lady before dialing for a taxi to the airport.

Aria was walking to Tsuna's house when she bumped into Nana. Fate was working wonders today. "Ara? Isn't it the kind lady who bought Chrome-chan, Kyoko-chan and Haru-chan for shopping? Tsuna told me about you. Are you here to look for Tsu-kun?"

Aria smiled and bowed to Nana as a greeting. "No, I'm here to look for you Nana Yukitsuki." Nana kept the smile on and laughed "Haha! It's been a long time anyone called me that. I'm now Nana Sawada. Nana Yukitsuki died when Nana Sawada fell in love."

Aria still maintained the smile. "Nana Sawada must be very happy now then?"

Nana nodded. Aria continued "However if her son's happiness is threatened what would Nana Sawada do? Would it be possible to call upon the power of the dead Yukitsuki? The snow moon (Yukitsuki) is merciless but it can bring the hidden feelings out of even a dead man. There is no one who will not falter in the presence of this princess after all she is a personification of nothingness."

Nana's eyes dulled. "The snow moon in the middle of a winter's night reflected on the frozen lake mocks a dying man's prayer like the hollowness of his heart in a barren land. Even the most courageous will fall prey to the moon's solemn glow and shines only dimly in the vast darkness when they know they can do nothing to attain it. The moon fades away quickly and desperateness conquers their hearts. When it disappears, they grow insane with fear and eventually give in to death. This is the power of nothingness. The true snow moon will take away everything from this world including itself, leaving an empty void behind known as nothingness."

Aria's eyes softened. "Yet only the true snow moon princess who is nothingness can provide a new world of life for an entire universe. Your son's universe depends on you right now."

Nana closed her eyes and exhaled before dialing home. Bianchi picked up the call and Nana made an excuse to be coming home late and being unable to prepare dinner in her usual cheerful voice. Bianchi agreed to order take out for the children and Nana hung up. "Shall we go to somewhere quiet then, Aria daughter of Luce the Sky arcobaleno and Don of Giglio Nero Famiglia."

Aria smiled. "As you wish, Vongola Nono's mate."

Xxx Destiny Aitsuji xxX

Reborn waited by the gates and watched people meeting up with their loved ones. "If only life can be this easy for dame Tsuna…" he thought. A warm voice shook Reborn out of his thoughts. "Ninth," Reborn greeted. The Don nodded and Iemitsu managed a broken smile to greet the hit man. Clearly things were rough in Italy. Without saying anything Reborn walked to where the black cars were waiting.

Once in the car, Reborn reported his current situation to Timiteo who had his Don face put on. Iemitsu wore a poker face while Reborn concluded his report. Timiteo smiled. "So she is on the move now?" Iemitsu gave the Don a questioning look. Reborn was silent. His fedora shadowed his eyes. Timiteo gave Iemitsu an apologetic smile and the journey was silent once more with each man to think through their own troubles.

Xxx Destiny Aitsuji xxX

Xanxus met up with Squalo at an Italian restaurant a little way out of Namimori town. They booked a private room and enjoyed a good meal of pasta and wine. Squalo first told Xanxus of his new discovery. Xanxus frowned as he sipped his wine.

"… I think that horse had a hand in it."

Xanxus shook his head. "That kid was always like this from the very start even before he knew he was going to be the Decimo."

Squalo looked at Xanxus in surprise. Xanxus just glanced at him and scowled "I just know it the first time we meet and fought ok?" Squalo nodded and asked about Hibari. Xanxus told him how the prefect showed signs of liking the brunet even if he did not out rightly admitted it. Xanxus skipped the details of sharing his personal love and sex life with the disciplinary committee chairperson. Squalo sighed heavily and pouted. He was flushed from the alcohol intoxication. Xanxus grinned and bent over to Squalo who had his eyes closed. He kissed the long haired man gently. Squalo's eyes flew open and his lips parted to ask a question but Xanxus was faster to turn it into an opportunity to deepen his romantic kiss. Squalo forgot how to breathe when Xanxus cupped his face with one hand and entwined his fingers in those long, silky strands.

When Xanxus pulled back to look into Squalo's he froze to see tears flowing from his lover's eyes. Panicking he pulled back to examine if Squalo was hurt anywhere but Squalo only leapt forward and captured the scarred man in his embrace. They held still for a few moments before reluctantly pulling apart.

"I don't want to go through what they are going through…" Squalo whispered. Xanxus stroked his lover's hair and murmured "Me neither. I won't be able to go through it. The crib incident was more than painful for the both of us but this is just pure torture for both of them. I'm ashamed to say this but I'm glad we are not them."

Squalo couldn't agree more and the night was spent treasuring each other.

Xxx Destiny Aitsuji xxX

Viper reached the scene where the two most important men of her life were at each other's throat. She threw herself in between the deadly fight without second thoughts. Fon saw it and immediately went forward to shield her with his body while Belphegor who threw the knives were unable to stop his attack on time. He screamed her name and Viper closed her eyes.

She fell to the ground unharmed and opened her eyes to see a badly injured Fon. Her heart clenched painfully she thought she might die. Suddenly the sight of Fon's death caused her to go into a panicked state. She cried her heart out and held onto Fon who was suffering the side effects of the drug. It wore off and soon he fell unconscious. Belphegor could only look at the love of his life crying her heart of for his love rival as he fell unconscious. "I was victorious… why? Why will you not look at me Monta?"

Silent tears escaped the hidden eyes as the prince slipped away to somewhere to escape the cruel reality, his heart already falling apart.

To be continued…

Author's Note: This is by far one of the longest chapters I have written. Now that the mystery of the Ninth's identity is revealed what are your thoughts about it? I know this chapter took a long time to update. I was re-reading my own story because I suddenly forgot what I wrote. I just could not believe some of these beautifully arranged words were from me. At one point while flipping through my laptop randomly to read a story I clicked on this and thought it seems interesting despite the many stupid typo errors. Then I wanted to check the author name and realized to my horror it was me. I clearly did not remember how the story came about. I'm really glad the website keeps all these for me. I don't remember half the stories in my profile when people review I have to go back and re read the story or chapter. As I constantly seek improvement I find every previous chapter written not as good as the current chapter I'm writing so when I write there is no such thing as masterpiece and only room for improvement. Please leave a review about your thoughts for this chapter so I may improve it and give you all an ending better than you can expect. I want to exceed your expectations of the story so knowing what you would expect will be good for me Thank you for taking time to read the ridiculously long chapter and equally long author's note.