Chapter 13 Resolve: Why am I here?

Sorry this came out so late guys. I was doing some Beta work, and I have 4, that's right 4, assignments T.T, along with what other work they decide to pile on us.

I'm glad that I got so many positive reviews for the last chapter. I fully expected you guys to send Reborn after me with orders to shoot on sight. Talking of Reborn: 'Chaos, It's lesson time Dame-Tsuna'. (O.O) How many of you gave little fan girl screams? … Come on be honest. I just read the next chapter too before posting this- how stupid can Tsuna get?

To K.Y, Thank you for finally reviewing. I know my writings improved, basically because I'm actually going back and re-reading my work after every couple of paragraphs instead of having to re-read whole sections. Plus, now I've got the main idea out there I can take more time- It's like I was rushing the first few chapters I suppose. I'm sure most of the authors here get that first rush when the idea is still in your head and you just have to get it down.

I don't mind you sending reviews without logging in. Your fan art is amazing! Tell me next time if I can post the link here. I love the pose you have them in, and their little star and moon cards. You've even got them in white and black suits. It really made my day!

Hopefully I wrote that they will have 'blood stained hands' in the future. If you can remember where it was tell me and I'll take a look at it.

Whilst Talbot is working…

There is a knock at the door, and as usual, Gokudera opens it to see who has decided to interrupt Juudaime now.

"Che, haven't seen you in a while. Who's the chick?"

"It is nice to see thou again Gokudera-dono. My associate here is called Oregano, and is also part of CEDEF." Comes the recognisable, light voice through the door.

Gokudera turns slightly to look at Juudaime, who in return nods: He has time for Basil, most of the paperwork is done already anyway.

I haven't seen Basil in a very long time. I wonder why he is here.

Gokudera steps aside, opening the door wider to admit the two CEDEF members. Both stand before Tsuna's desk and bow politely.

Tsuna stands and smiles at the male of the pair.

"Basil, what a pleasure it is to see you again. How are you doing?"

Raising his head, Basil answers, "I am fine, there is no need for thee to worry about me. May I introduce my partner here…" he extends one arm in her direction. "This is Oregano. Thy father sent us here to talk to you."

Tsuna looks the woman over. She is a sharp young woman, mid-twenties, with smart black glasses, and her hair tied in a messy bun at the base of her head. I'm sure she is the one to keep Dad in line all day. Tsuna thinks, taking in her no-nonsense aura.

"Dad did?" Tsuna asks uncertainly. "So you are here on business, rather than a pleasure trip." Basil nods his confirmation.

Tsuna sighs, takes in a deep breath and composes himself. He raises his flame until it sits just below the threshold. This is his Boss Mode: all the calm and collectiveness of Hyper mode, yet no flame on his head or hands, the gloves left unengaged and less energy consumption that Hyper mode too. His eyes glow orange, filled with the flames-in-hiding. Gokudera takes his place behind Tsuna, looking as serious as Tsuna has become. Tsuna returns to his seat, waving the others into chairs also.

"Well then, let's not linger. What have you come to talk about Basil?" Tsuna's voice is serious, slightly deeper than normal, but not quite as deep as when in Hyper Dying Will Mode.

Basil inclines his head slightly, accepting the turn to serious business with practiced ease. Oregano also seems not to mind the sudden change- use to seeing both Basil and Iemitsu slip into Hyper mode whenever the mood got serious. Which was rarely for her Boss, she must admit.

"We, the External Advisors, are here to talk to thee about the two new additions to thy Family." States Basil, straight to the point as usual.

Wow, that was swift. I wonder how they got that information so quickly. They have to use independent sources, so no one in the Base told them. Maybe they were watching the gate, or have the Mansion under surveillance? Bugs? Listening devices? Hidden cameras? If they weren't part of the Family, I would do a thorough sweep of the place. Wonders Gokudera

"Whilst you are free to bring whomever you like into the Family, there are certain precautions we would like to advise you to take" Explains Oregano. "Both of these new members are famous public figures, not only in Japan, but also in some other places around the world. Your father is worried that you have not taken this into consideration, nor planned appropriately."

" I'm afraid to tell you that we have already thought of that. Both Kudo and Kuroba know that they cannot reveal their mafia connections. Especially Kudo with his law enforcement connections. He is quite aware of the repercussions this will have on him and his career. Kuroba is also aware of the effects on his day persona too." Explains Tsuna defensively.

"Sawada-dono, we know that thou hast thought about that. But what we are afraid of is the eventual 'what if?'. Considering what information I have been able to gather about the pair, they are both well versed in keeping their identities a secret. However, thou must plan for the eventually that their connections to thou are discovered." Replies Basil, exasperated.

"He's right, Juudaime." Tsuna quickly looks behind him and up, towards his right-hand man. " None of us were famous when we joined the Family. Me, Mukuro and the Ahoshi already had mafia connections from being in Families of our own. This doesn't create suspicion. The Yakyuu-baka and Shibafu were famous for their sporting achievements, but many people like them drop sports in favour of other careers, so again, them disappearing off the map is no problem. The same is true of Hibari and even you yourself. However people like Shinichi and KID (instead of Kaito), are people who cannot disappear as easily. Look at how many rumours have started up, just because Shinichi 'disappeared' for three years."

"If I may be so bold." Adds Oregano "You are too comfortable here in Japan. At the moment, Kudo and Kuroba may come and leave as they please. However, you know what is coming soon, don't you, Decimo."

Juudaime visibly stiffens at this statement, Gokudera notices. He's also gone pale. What on earth is that woman talking about?

Basil looks away, knowing what topic they are on. Gokudera looks between the three, feeling slightly out of the loop.

"Juudaime, what are they talking about? What's coming soon?" he shakily asks, slightly fearful of the answer since it has caused this reaction from Juudaime.

"It's nothing Gokudera" whispers Juudaime, looking down. He grabs the arms of his chair, holding on so tightly his knuckles turn white.

"But Juudaime-" starts Gokudera

"You will drop the subject Gokudera. It is nothing that you should concern yourself with for the time being." Seeing Gokudera open his mouth to protest again, Tsuna uses his last defence. "That is an order Storm Guardian."

Gokudera takes a step backwards, mouth hanging open, surprised at the actions of his Juudaime. Hard orange eyes, as far from their usual colour as is possible, stare him down defiantly.

"I'm sorry Juudaime. How dare I protest like that." Gokudera shouts, bowing at Tsuna's feet- or at least next to the chair.

Tsuna's grip on the chair arms loosens considerably. "It's fine Gokudera. It's just something I don't want to think about at the moment." Sighing and accepting, he turns back to the CEDEF members. "So what are your suggestions…

"Kufufufu, my dear Shinichi, I have been told to find you. It seems as if you are required in the training room. Or you could stay here, with me." Suggests Mukuro, leaning over Shinichi's shoulder to see what he's reading.

With a sigh, Shinichi shuts the book. "I was wondering when you were going to say something. It was getting kind of hard to ignore you." He stands, a stunned Mukuro moving out of his way with unsteady steps.

"You… You could see me?" But I used an illusion to get in here, he shouldn't have even known I'd entered the room. Mukuro blinks, and his eyes harden; he was going to do something about that. My toy should have jumped, shocked at my sudden arrival.

"Not at first I couldn't" replies Shinichi honestly. This exchange brings back memories from so long ago. "Hahmm. It's just like back then. How many days did we spend, you trying to trick me with your illusions?" He turns to face Mukuro, a nostalgic smile on his lips. Mukuro's own face softens with the memory.

Mukuro opens his mouth to ask the all-important question, but Shinichi beats him there.

"Smell." Mukuro cocks his head, wondering what the detective meant by that. Shinichi just laughs, and takes a step back towards Mukuro. Leaning in close, he places his face near to Mukuro's neck. Mukuro looks shocked at first, but then his usual grin appears.

"Oya, oya Shinichi, I didn't know-"

"I thought so" cuts in Shinichi. "Your cologne gave you away. It's quite powerful, and distinctive. No one else wears a scent like that. When you stood near me I could smell it in the air." Wearing his smug detective face, he backs away from Mukuro. "But even after that, I still didn't know where you were. When I stretched earlier, I took a look around the room, and spotted footprints. Not muddy footprints of course. But in the carpet. This room hasn't been used much, so the carpet is still fresh. Distinct changes in the pattern of the carpet showed footprints leading straight to where you were. Putting the facts together, I knew you were there, and suddenly you were there. But you didn't do anything, so I just continued on."

With a 'and-that's-that' look on his face, Shinichi walks to the door and opens it. "Wasn't I summoned?" he asks. Hearing no response, he looks back into his room, and sees nothing.

"Yes you were, my dear Detective, but you seem to be lagging behind." Shinichi turns back to face the corridor outside his room, and sees Mukuro, a long way off, wave sarcastically at him.

"Wow, I didn't even feel you leave. Glad to know you took my advice." Shinichi shuts the door and proceeds to follow Mukuro down the hallway. "Shouldn't we go get Kaito?"

"Kufufufu, Don't worry My smart Shinichi, Lambo came to get him earlier, whilst I was… watching you" replies Mukuro, smirking away.

Entering the elevator, Shinichi scolds, "We had better not be late Mukuro."

Mukuro simply laughs.

The elevator doors open to the training room. Inside was all of the Guardians, Reborn, Talbot, the Kokuyo Gang, Spanner and Shoichi, and finally Kaito, juggling what seemed to be different coloured balls in a pattern Shinichi had never seen before.

Everyone is looking at them, wondering who was going to come out of the elevator. Mukuro goes and stands with his minions. Shinichi, however, is rooted to the spot by Kaito.

One Magician with a figurative light-bulb above his head, and a mischievous gleam in his eyes.

Not taking his eyes off of his latest assistant, he speaks. His voice is pitched and toned to cut through the conversations going on around them.

"Lambo"

The boy, in a cow print shirt and black trousers, perks up and turns to his idol.

Kaito half-smiles, the lips of one side lifting towards his cheek.

Oh shit. I don't like the look of that. What's he got planned now?

"Catch"

Kaito plucks one ball from the air, and lobs it as hard as he can towards Shinichi. But the aim is off. That ball is too low for me to catch, and it's not like him to miss that drastically. In fact it's the perfect level to…

Oh.

I see what you are going to do. I'll play. Match Start.

As the ball zooms across the distance between the pair, Shinichi concentrates and raises his foot. Knee raised, ankle angled, the ball connects with Shinichi's foot, and due to the angle of impact, careens straight into the air. It comes back down, and Shinichi gives it another light tap. The ball floats away from Shinichi, lazily following a highly arced path into the sky.

And straight into Lambo's shocked hands.

It sits there, looking ball-ish and green, as if it had every right in the world to be there.

The others don't have time to clap, Kaito has thrown the other balls at Shinichi already. An almost steady stream of colour, the balls blur due to their speed.

Shinichi doesn't bat an eyelid. His world narrows to the ball and his target. His heart rate picks up slightly, and a smile- larger than he would admit to- alights on his face.

Taking note of the colour of the ball, Shinichi sends them on their way to their intended targets. One bounces off the wall before being caught by Ryohei. Another skims past Spanners head, the speed making his hair move, before bouncing off of a piece of training equipment. The ball changes paths and find itself staring straight at Yamamoto. Yamamoto brings his hand up, baseball instincts kicking in even after so long with little use, and easily catches the blue ball. A purple ball goes for a walk, taking a curving path around Reborn before continuing on its way to the wall. Touching the wall, it takes a perpendicular route, sliding its way easily into Hibari's outstretched hand. A bright red ball hyperly bounces between Kaito's legs before propelling itself off the floor, aiming straight for Gokudera's face. Reflexively Gokudera snatches the ball out of the air before it can connect. An orange ball takes a skywards route, bouncing off a wall for extra lift, before pushing off the roof and skydiving towards its owner. Tsuna stiffens, intuition telling him to look up. He does, and has just enough time to raise his flame and catch the ball. It would look bad if it smacked him in the face. The final indigo ball was smacked as hard as possible (Kaito cartwheeling out of the way) aiming straight towards the mist user. Materialising his trident, Mukuro takes aim and swings, sending the ball right back. Shinichi smirks, and lifts his foot up. The ball slides underneath, and Shinichi gives it another kick, sending it crashing behind him, before bouncing on the elevator doors and back over his head. After flying over Shinichi's head, the ball falls to the ground, having enough momentum to roll, almost meekly, and sit at Mukuro's feet.

Game over. I win.

"And, what, may I ask, was that for?" questions Shinichi, turning back to face Kaito.

"It was a purely tactical training simulation, in case of the event you are attacked by rabid, revengeful footballs whilst out on your journey." Drawls Kaito seriously. He turns away from the detective, raises a hand out to the side and continues "And I thought it was about time you showed off a little bit. You are more than just a brilliant mind you know. And finally-" he stops walking away, turns on his heels and gives Shinichi a soft smile

"I knew you missed playing football" says Kaito, referring to the way Shinichi suddenly seems slightly more alive.

"Yeah, well, there is a whole garden outside if you didn't notice. If you wanted me to play you should have taken me out there. You just wanted me to show off didn't you?"

Kaito grins guiltily. "I'm in the spotlight too often" Shinichi snorts, a hand covering his mouth- KID did nothing but stand in the spotlight "I thought it was someone else's turn." He turns away again and continues on walking. " I don't want you to get rusty after all. You'll need those skills here. Those reflexes will keep you alive" strangely contemplative and serious, Kaito finishes his walk over to Talbot.

So that's what it was. Checking my reflexes still work. I'll need to work on them though. I've spent too long in a miniature body.

"Th-a-that was.."

"Amazing" squeals Lambo.

"Football skills to the EXTREME" roars Ryohei, punching the air.

Ken bounds over, laying both arms over Shinichi's shoulders and lounging down his back. "Wow, Shini-chan, you had skills back then, but now… You're even better. You've got to teach me that one day"

"You have a very good understanding of velocity and reflection there Shinichi" remarks Spanner, looking at it from a scientific angle.

"I only played football to hone my reflexes. I can't chase criminals if I'm too unfit. Plus it helps me think sometimes. But I certainly wasn't trying to show off; it was all his doing." Sheepishly Shinichi accepts the praise, and goes to stand next to Kaito, infront of Talbot.

"Are you finished, Talbot sir?" politely asks Shinichi. It was important that they got back to the subject at hand- Pandora.

Or at least what was Pandora.

From under his cloak he brings out two rocks, one with a crescent moon peeking out, and another with a 5 pointed star half-out of the rock. And they looked like rocks too: about the size of one's fist, metal grey and bumpy, it looked more like ore, rather than the jewel (purple or otherwise) that they had known.

"Are these the rings?" asks Kaito, picking what he assumed to be his up and examining it from all angles.

"Did he fail?" asks Mukuro, coming close to examine the object in Shinichi's hands.

How preposterous. Of course he didn't fail.

Shinichi pauses "Kaito" whispers Shinichi, Kaito hmms. "Did you hear that just now?"

Kaito shakes his head and gives Shinichi a weird look.

"No, I didn't hear anything. Why? What did you think you heard" he asks, taking the detective seriously. It's not like Shinichi would joke at a time like this after all.

"I thought I heard someone say he didn't fail. But it didn't sound like anyone I know." Shinichi whispers back.

Come on, let the show begin already

Now it was Kaito's turn to freeze, and look around the room. The others were a respectful distance away, with the exception of Mukuro, who was the other side of Shinichi.

"Shinichi, I just heard something too; it sounded like me, but the voice was different."

You buffle-brained fools. Hurry up. We are waiting.

Kaito looks at Shinichi. Shinichi looks at Kaito. Both look at the Ring Ores in their hands.

"Now, now you two, there is no need to be inpatient." Gently scolds Talbot. "Are you two ready to begin?"

"So it was… them we heard" asks Shinichi, staring at the rock in his hands.

"In this half-formed state it is possible." Agrees Talbot.

They look at each other, non-believing, but quickly put it behind them.

"We are ready" states Kaito.

"Good, take them to the centre of the room." Commands Talbot. "Guardians, if you could create a loose circle around them, it would help. We don't want any flames flying around aimlessly now do we?" he grins.

The Guardians comply. Shinichi and Kaito stand about a meter apart, facing each other. The guardians stand in a clock like fashion around them, with Tsuna at the top, behind Kaito, and Mukuro at the bottom, behind Shinichi's back. Hibari nearly walked out, but after a whispered conference with Reborn, he stalked over, a smug predator grin on his face. Tsuna didn't want to know what Reborn had promised Hibari.

"What you young Pups need to do is light the largest flame you can, feeding the energy into the Ring Ore." Explains Talbot from outside the circle.

"Flames? We don't know how to create those yet." Warns Shinichi.

Tsuna perks up, and moves slightly to see Shinichi from his position behind Kaito.

"Flames are created through your resolve." Explains Tsuna

"Indeed, you need resolve to light these rings. Without resolve flames won't light up inside of you, let alone bloom on the ring. Without sufficient flames feeding the ring, you may end up breaking them.

"Our- Resolve?" the central pair say.

"Yeah, it was different for all of us. It was something we found inside of ourselves when we were in the future. We needed to be able to light the rings to fight in that era. It's a bit like a wish you want to fulfil, or a goal you have in mind. It's your resolve that drives you forward, that makes you keep going. That literally lights a flame in your heart." Describes Tsuna, hand gestures accompanying. The others around them nod.

"Che, when I was in the future, Older Yamamoto told me to imagine my determination as a flame. That wasn't too hard in the heat of the moment since I am always determined." Inputs Gokudera, looking down at his ring.

"Haha, with me, I watched what Gokudera did. He said imagine your resolution as a flame, and Poof there it was" laughs Yamamoto, rubbing the back of his neck.

"Or, in Hibari's case" Yamamoto continues " what lit his flame was being pissed off. He was in this fight, and some of us arrived and helped him out. Having to rely on others, along with us 'crowding' the room, lead to him being pissed off- the flame was huge." Huge is followed by an appropriate hand motion and facial expressions that Kaito found funny. Hibari looked ready to kill

"Che, and all that came out was one drunk hedgehog" Others snigger before stopping as soon as Hibari reached for his weapons.

"Resolve

Determination

Resolution"

The pair repeat this litany to themselves, as the others go silent again.

Closing their eyes, they look internally for answers.

My resolve? That would be to destroy the Black organisation. That's the reason I am here, and my goal for the future.

Shinichi grips the Ore harder, bringing it closer to his chest.

My resolve? My resolve has changed very recently- not majorly, but it's moved a step onwards. A month ago it was to find Pandora. Up until two days ago, it was to protect Pandora from my father's murderers. Pandora is safe; in the care of the two best people I know. Me and Shinichi. Those men can look for eternity and never find Pandora. But now, it's the next part of our plan. So from today onwards my resolve is to stop an organisation that wants immortality- is willing to kill for it- and make sure that they never harm anyone again.

Breathing in at the same time, a small aura builds around the pair. But it is very weak, and easily missed if those around them didn't know what they were looking for.

"That is not enough young Pups! Your resolve is not strong enough. Why should these rings grant you power?" roars Talbot.

"Think about who you are doing this for" shouts Gokudera, almost taking a step forwards. That's how I did it.

I'm doing this for those who may still be harmed. I'm doing it for my mother, who still cries over his death. I'm doing it for Jii, who lost a friend and partner. It is clear, this is the resolve of all three of us: This is the resolve of the Magician, who admired Kuroba Toichi, the world's best magician. This is the resolve of International Phantom Thief 1412, who's doing this for his predecessor, and this is the resolve of Kuroba Kaito, who's doing it to relieve the pain of losing a father.

If you could see into Kaito's Inner World at this point, you would see three mirror images. One boy would be dressed in casual street clothes, another in a pure white suit, and finally, one in a black tuxedo. All three were stood around a column of white flame, one hand resting in the flame. All three of them wanted this, for once all three agreed with each other.

I'm doing it for the victims they have already harmed. I'm doing it for those who may be harmed. I'm doing it for Shiho and her dead sister, for all the organisation did to Sherry, and are still doing to Haibara. I'm doing it for Ran, who has 'lost Shinichi' for so very long. I'm doing it so that those I love won't be killed.

The auras around the pair grow, Kaito's becoming a brighter white, like adding power to a light bulb. Shinichi's becomes darker. Both become more opaque. Yet these flames are still translucent, looking more like a trick of the light. Shinichi's face is scrunched in concentration, whilst Kaito's looks blank.

"You need to look deeper than that." Encourages Tsuna.

Tsuna. The pair think. We are doing this for Tsuna's Vongola that will be. We will be the guiding light in the dark, until the light of a new day arrives. We will make your [Pandora's] prediction come true.

The Ring Spirits like this resolution a lot, and flames flare around the pair. Around the circle, the others' Vongola Rings also burst into flame, joining in in the resolution to protect Vongola.

"You are nearly there, young Pups. But something is holding you back. Be honest with yourselves. What is this power there for?" demands Talbot.

Both are panting now, the physical exhaustion of pushing energy into the Ore is catching up to them. Sweat drips down their faces, knuckles white and arms tired from gripping the Ore so tightly.

Be honest? What other reason is there…? A loud pant draws his gaze across to the face of his Tantei-kun, eyes closed in concentration. That's right. Just like I promised. I want to protect him. A person like him doesn't deserve to be changed by the underworld. I want this power to protect Shinichi, and make sure he comes out the other side alive.

I accept you, Kuroba Kaito, to become the Guardian of the Moon: The one that deceives even the darkness.

The Vongola rings flare, and in a soft yellow light, the Vongola seal appears on the floor under Kaito, extending to the outer circle of Guardians.

Kaito tips his head back, taking in a deep breath. The Ring Ore begins to pulse bright white light. In a flare of pure brilliance, Kaito is engulfed in flame. The others are nearly blinded by this. Covering him from head to toe, it shines as bright as the moon on the darkest night.

Shinichi opens his eyes at the sudden change in lighting, but is not blinded by Kaito's flames like the others are.

He's done it, I knew he would. Be honest hey? I said that I wanted to protect those I care about, and that includes this phantom thief, magician and friend that stands before me. I promised Chikage that I would bring her son back whole. And I will- using this power. And if I'm being honest, there may be a little personal interest in there too. I can't chase a broken Phantom thief now can I?

I accept you, Kudo Shinichi, to become the Guardian of the Stars: The one that guides in the dark

Just as the others were recovering from Kaito's flash of light, the Vongola seal on the floor spins, centring itself to Shinichi.

Opening their eyes, the Guardians feel as if part of reality has been cut away. Infront of them is pure black punctuated by specks of white light, making the flame appear as if it's glittering. The Guardians feel as if they are standing on the edge of the world: behind them was the world as they knew it. Fluorescent lights glow, Talbot, Reborn and the others stand waiting- the training room stands behind them. But infront of them? They know what should be there. Gokudera- standing next to Juudaime- should have been able to see Kaito and Shinichi at an angle, and through the space in-between, Ryohei. But instead it was just... nothingness.

The Guardians all blink, the drastic change in light jarring. But upon opening their eyes again, they find the scene has changed. They were no longer in the training room. To them, it felt as if they were in the middle of nowhere, as far from modern civilisation as possible, simply looking up at the night sky. With no light pollution from houses, with no outside source of light, it was finally clear just how bright the moon was, and just how many stars there really were in the sky.

Tsuna wondered if what they were seeing was an illusion created by Chrome or Mukuro. But looking over, Tsuna doesn't think so. Mukuro looks just as amazed at this display as the others. There is no smirk on his face, nor a look of concentration to show that this is his doing. Just pure enjoyment.

The feeling soon fades away, as do the flames. Finally they were back in the training room, even though they never left.

"Well done young Pups. The Moon has risen, the Stars are out to play, and the Sky is finally whole again."

I hope that you all enjoyed this chapter too- slightly shorter than normal though.

See you all next time

Phantom Hitman 1412

First Published 25 Jan 2012