Coalesce

•••

"Eh? Dany? S-She fell asleep…"

Tsuna kneels on the floor, clumsy hoisting his sister in his arms.

"Give her to me, Tsuna!" Dino smiled at the boy with open arms ready to catch the small girl. "You will end up dropping poor Dany-chan!"

"A-Ah, Dino-san is right." Dino brought the girl close to his chest, holding her bridal-style.

"Here." They look back at Reborn, who jumps from an armchair besides the sandy-haired boy's bed. "Let her rest here while we talk things."

"Talk things? What's with this shady things?!"

Ignoring the brunet, Reborn glared at Dino with seriousness the blond had never seen before in his ex-tutor's eyes. The Mafia Boss put the girl in the armchair, gently tucking her, making sure she was comfortable before turning back to the student-tutor duo.

"Reborn, Dino-san…what was t-that box?" The brunet skittishly peered at them through his lashes, gulping nervously before continuing. "Who was that sword guy? W-Who's this boy?" He pointed a shaky finger to the sandy-haired boy on the hospital bed. Tsuna pursed his lips before hissing at Reborn. "And why didn't you help us with that guy?"

The baby stares blankly at him before tilting his fedora.

"I couldn't."

Gripping his hair in despair, the boy kneels besides Reborn as the baby jumps and perches himself at the armchair's arm, sitting and turning towards his sleeping Sky.

"Reborn! Why?!"

"Because he is Vongola."

"WHAT?!" A rubber bullet hits Tsuna squarely on his forehead, sending the boy tumbling back to the ground. "Why did you shoot me?!"

"Stop yelling."

"REB- Ah!" The brunet blinks and scratches his cheek sheepishly. "Dany and the boy are sleeping…"

"Yes…" The baby turns back to Tsuna as Dino helps the teenager to get up on his feet. "My contract with the Ninth doesn't allow me to attack or interfere with Vongola matters that aren't related to Dame-Tsuna's training."

Tsuna turns to the baby with a twitching eye. I'm sure if Dany was there, that guy wouldn't even be in this planet anymore…

"S-So, why did he attacked us? We're not Vongola's enemies, right?" He turns to the unconscious boy on the bed. "A-And there is this o-other person…He's Vongola, too?"

"That swordsman is part of Vongola's independent assassin squad — the vice-commander of the Varia and know as the Sword Emperor, Squalo Superbi."

"A-Assassination?!" The squeak that comes out of Tsuna's mouth is filled with fear.

"That man is most definitely our enemy."

"And what about…" Tsuna points to the unconscious blond again.

"Basil is no Vongola. But he's on our side."

"How can this make any sense, Reborn?!"

"He's the apprentice of the External Advisor's boss. The External Advisor is a person who is just as important as the Famiglia's boss. Basil came here to bring you the Vongola Rings that were in that box."

"Vongola…Rings?"

"A set of rings that are drowned in Vongola's bloody history. They are special rings that were given to each set of the Vongola Famiglia's leading generations. The Sky ring was given to the boss, and other six rings were given to their Guardians."

"S-So, they are expensive rings?"

"They have no esteemed price, but the thing with those Rings has anything to do with money."

"So…So, w-what are they for?"

"Those rings mark you, Tsuna, as an official Vongola Boss candidate."

"Hiee! So it's a good thing that that Superbi guy stole them!"

Reborn tsked at the boy's cowardice, shaking his head in disappointment.

"Hehehe…About that…" They turn to Dino, who scratches his head sheepishly. "Those Half Vongola Rings-" Reborn narrows his gaze in suspicion. He knows very well that the Vongola Rings could only be divided when there was a disagreement between the Vongola Boss and the External Advisor, also known as the boss of CEDEF. Iemitsu, what the hell is happening between you and Nono? "-that the Squalo took, they were fake!" The blond boss shows them the Vongola Ring Box, smiling smugly with his other hand forming a peace sign. "I have the real deal with me!"

"HIE!"

"Good." Kicking Tsuna head-first into the ground, the Arcobaleno hold out his hand for the Box. When he opens it, there is only the Sky Ring half.

"Basil's master has already decided who to give the Guardian Rings to." Dino smiles sardonically at Reborn, both set of eyes connect with grim understanding.

"Basil's master?! Guardians?!" There were frantic rears in the boy's eyes as he confusingly gazed at the pair. "What the hell is happening?!"

"Tsuna."

Blinking, the brunet stares at his tutor with confused eyes. Reborn's eyes were serious, his whole body as tense as a snake ready to strike.

"You are not ready to such a burden, but it can not be helped. Something has happened. Something really bad."

"They will notice it. The Fake Rings won't fool them for much long." Dino gazes at the boy with burning worry. "And their first stop will be Namimori."

"Ten days."

"R-Reborn? W-What do y-you mean?"

"You and your Guardians have ten days to prepare yourselves to fight Varia Quality Assassins. The best of the best."

"N-No! I won't fight! T-They can have-!"

"Tsunayoshi."

The brunet freezes, just as Dino and Romario, they all stare at the baby with wide eyes filled with fear. The Sun Arcobaleno is leaking killing intent, his Pacifier is shinning as he stares at the boy with burning fury in his whole body.

"If you deny your claim to the Vongola," Reborn seethes with fury and violence in his voice. "Then their target will not be you. And there is only one more person-"

"There is another person!" In rare show of bravery, Tsuna interrupts the baby. His body is shaking with the effort, but he dares to venture further. "I-If t-there is a-another c-candidate t-then I-I'm n-not n-needed!" His voice is squeaky and ever faltering. He takes a great gulp of air, closes his eyes as his fists shake by his sides. "I'm not gonna be Vongola Decimo!"

The silence after the statement is heavy, what was almost like an everyday occurrence to the clumsy teenager had an different, darker, weight to it that moment. Reborn had always thought it was amusing to see the boy deny something that was already set into stone. But this moment is not casual, it's not unofficial.

Right now, if the boy said such things to any official figure in Vongola, it would mean that the claim could or even would be given to another available person. Before, Reborn wouldn't have cared much. It would only bring a slight anger towards a failure of his — other than that, he would only move on to his next target.

But the thing was, if the boy denied the claim — there was another person who eyes would fallen onto.

In another world, Tsuna could never refuse his inheritance as Vongola Decimo.

In this world, if Tsuna really wanted to, he could shred his sister to pieces if he denied his place as Decimo.

It wouldn't be a simple process, there would be much bureaucracy and could very well not happen because of the girl's health — still, it was a threat to Reborn's Sky.

He would not allow it.

Reborn would take the world apart before anyone dared to harm his Sky.

"Then you'll give the title to Dany?"

The whole room almost seems to stop in time. The hospital room is suddenly too hot, like a blazing inferno, heat starts to emanate from both the boy and the baby.

Dino takes a step back, Romario grips his gun, they both are sweating and tense, ready to bolt at any moment. The blond mafiosi gulps in fear and awe, staring at his tutor and his kouhai as if he had never seen them before. The heat and sheer power emanating from them is completely unbelievable.

"Da…ny?" Tsuna's eyes are covered by his fringe. Fists shaking, and this time not by fear.

"Yes. If you won't be Vongola Decimo…then it is Dany who will be." Reborn takes the ring out of the box, holding it up to Tsuna. "This will be a burden you will give away? Just like everything else? Like your homework, your grades…Will you just burden your younger sister with it, because you don't want it for yourself?"

Reborn know that he is being harsh and cruel. But it's his Sky they are talking about. His kind and young Sky, who is peacefully sleeping besides the boy whose Rain Flames had connected to her. As a Flame Active, Reborn could tell they had made a similar Bond to the one Fon had said that Daniela had made with some random kid at the park.

Daniela was Bonding, she was growing, smiling, laughing. He would make sure that nothing took away this new stage of her life. She would be happy, and he would protect her from anything and everything.

Even her own brother.

"Will you let her-" He points at the the sleeping girl, carefully cocooned in a blanket of his Sun Flames. Before his clash with his student, Reborn had made sure to cover she and Basil with his Flames, lightly enough to be invisible to human eye. "-be the one dirtied by Vongola's blood?"

"SHUT UP!"

Blazing orange eyes stare at the baby through the brunet's fringe. Sky Flames burst out of the boy's forehead, pure and raging, his Flames burn brightly in the room.

"Shut…up…" Tsuna is breathing harshly, probably from the effort of entering Hyper Dying Will Mode without help. "Please…" His eyes were filled with pain, denial.

Viciously, Reborn thinks that it is a good look — for now. It means that the boy understand the seriousness of their situation.

A low grunt from the girl catch their attention, and suddenly all tension in the room disappears. Tsuna is immediately her side, his shaking hands cupping her cheeks as his Flame turns Inactive again.

"Ani…ki…"

"Dany! C-Come on, right? It's getting late and we should put you in bed." Slowly, he maneuvers her in a piggyback ride on his back. The girl nuzzles her face into his nape, small hands hugging tight to his neck.

"Don't…want to…"

"D-Dino'san must be tired from his flight…" Caramel eyes burns orange as Tsuna gazes at them over his shoulder, his lips pursed with confusing and displeasure. He turns away and walks out of the room, talking lightly with his younger sister.

"Re…born…"

"Go with your brother, Dany. I'll meet you soon enough."

Reborn watch them go with blank eyes before turning towards the frozen looking Dino.

"Now, you'll tell me exactly what you know about all this."

•••

Fon was, generally, a calm person. But he was a a Storm User as well, so he does have a temper. It's rare to anyone to get in his nerves, he is the most calm and unflappable of the Arcobaleno, and yet…

He twitches with desire for violence, smile extremely strained and fists shaking with rage as he stares at the man know as his Sky's father.

This man tried to give alcoholic drinks to children…

Fon was pissed.

But…He turns his brown eyes towards the happily humming woman as she prepares more and more food to her dear husband. I couldn't hurt Nana-san's feelings.

Sighing, the Guardian gently guided the kids towards Dany's room, it was getting late and they should go to bed. Dany would soon arrive, along with Reborn and Tsuna.

After carefully tucking the children and reassuring Fuuta of Dany's safety, Fon goes back to the living room, where Iemitsu Sawada is sprawled on the floor, surrounded by dishes and sake bottles. The man is staring at the ceiling with a business face and turns deadly eyes towards the ex-Triad assassin.

"Why is it that the Triad's recently rogue Arcobaleno is living in my home, along with my wife and children?"

Calmly, Fon clasps his hands in front of him inside his large sleeves. His face is devoid of smiles as he stares at the CEDEF's boss and Vongola's External Advisor.

"That's for me to know and you to guess." Fon's voice is cold and detached, head tilting towards the kitchen where Nana is preparing even more food, humming all along.

The blond man sits, narrowing his eyes at the Storm.

"If you try to involve yourself in Vongola matters…"

"Do not worry about my presence here. Just know this…" He turns back to the man, his long braid swishing along as he walks towards the door, where he can sense his Sky's approach. He looks at the man over his shoulder, red swirling in his eyes. "I will not leave. Don't play with things beyond your control, Young Lion."

"Mama! We're home! Dany is sleeping though, I'll put her to bed!"

"Ara, poor Dan-chan, she must be so tired! Ne, ne, Tsu-kun! Ask for Papa's help, ne?"

"M-Mother!"

The External Advisor immediately lets himself fall back onto the floor, snoring loudly in pretended sleep.

Tsking in annoyance, Fon jumps on top of Tsuna's head, nesting himself on his fluffy hair.

"Welcome home, Tsunayoshi."

His brown eyes are warm as he nods towards the confused boy, before looking at the sleeping blonde. Sending warmth and joy through their Bond, he watches as a small smile appears on her lips before snuggling into Tsuna's neck.

Their bond was so…sentimental. But Fon couldn't be more happy with it. Dany's kind of Bonds were the most prized ones, where the connection was beyond physical contact or voice. It was soul deep, where words and sight weren't needed. A kind of Bond that was prized in Mafia, but at the same time, much feared.

Looking at the his Sky's brother as they entered the girl's room, Fon thinks back to the boy's potential Guardians and the subtle Bond he shared with each of them. Tsuna, in all his obliviousness, couldn't reach Dany's level of intimacy when concerned Bonds, but his Bonds weren't as strong as hers — primarily because of their Flames' Purity and Attraction, probably. Yet, just like his sister, Tsuna is an amazingly Flame powerhouse. And well…

They were just too good. And warm. And kind.

Chuckling amused at his fawning over the two kids, Fon jumps on his Sky's bed, laying besides her as Tsuna closes the door, leaving them to their sleep.

Thinking back to the appearance of CEDEF's leader and Varia's vice-commander, Fon frowns. There is a storm brewing, and he would do his best to protect their little Family.

In the room next to his, Tsuna cries of pain is soon followed by various thuds. Reborn was home.

Fon waits until the house is silent and everyone is asleep, and then — he slips out through the window, sits on the roof above Dany's window, and waits.

"She has Bonded with Iemitsu's apprentice."

Sighing, Fon looks at Reborn, who suddenly appears sitting by his side.

"While he was unconscious?"

"You don't seem surprised."

"Should I be? It's Daniela, after all."

•••

There was one thing, besides being a baby, that made the Arcobaleno different from other Flame Active beings. One thing that, in the world where Flames are such mysterious things that could either destroy or heal — the Arcobaleno had an upper hand that came with their position, other than their abilities and infantile bodies.

The Arcobaleno could sense Flames.

But not just pinpoint positions or recognize Flames.

They had the ability to sense both Inactive and Active Flames, they could read it, they could see it, they could understand it.

Anyone could sense Flames, if they were in a visible state, but the subjective feeling of the constant burning Soul that every human being had — no, people couldn't exactly feel as acutely as an Arcobaleno.

That particular ability gave an enormous advantage to the Strongest Seven — to be able to see so deeply into someone's Flames was an extremely powerful tool.

It was the reason why Reborn could know and pick the best people for each element for Tsuna's Sky, and even Dino when he was forming his own Set.

So, it is an even more useful ability now, because Reborn, Fon and…the Lackey…could use the useful tool to keep check on their Sky's relations and possible Bonds and Guardians.

Reborn remembers the great annoyance he felt when when Fon once again managed to hide himself from him and enter Dany's room without Reborn noticing, making the Sun Guardian growl with protectiveness and possessiveness.

He remembers the slow mix and formation of Dany and Fuuta's Bond, that would later evolve into its Guardian Aspect.

He remembers the strong revulsion and slight rage of the quickly formed Bond in-between Dany and Skull. (He really hopes that it does not evolve into Guardian Aspect.)

Now, there is the slight dark amusement towards the fact that Dany has formed a Bond with Iemitsu's apprentice, and Reborn doesn't doubt for a minute that the boy will become his fellow Guardian.

But the one before Basil…

The random boy in the park was a surprise.

And a disappointment.

Even after they tracked the boy down, they could see that he had no connection towards their Sky whatsoever. But according to Fon, who has an even better insight in Bonds than Reborn, the boy had manifested a connection that could be of the Instinct Aspect!

How could such a young civilian boy deny something as legendary as a Bond of the Instinct Aspect?

He is swinging slightly in his little hammock in Tsuna's room, the sun is barely up, and his mind is a mix of Dany and Tsuna and Vongola…

Reborn is not pleased with the problems Iemitsu brought with him.

"TSUNA! Let's catch some breakfast!"

"HIE! S-Sorry, I c-can't! I-I got school!"

Blankly, Reborn stares at them, father and son, as Tsuna's Flame almost seems to hiss in displeasure, clashing and trying to overwhelming Iemitsu's own Flame.

•••

Basil is in bliss.

He is so peaceful, feels so warm, that he immediately knows that something is not quite right — and yet, it does not feel wrong.

He is…aware. Aware of…his own Flame, something he does not comprehend. No one can really feel their own Flames out of their Active State and by their own merit, without technological help. Because, it would probably mean to be aware of one's Soul — and Basil is not sure of what it could entail. It's all very complicated, the thin line between Soul and Flame.

Slowly, he opens his blue eyes to meet with the serious face of his Master in his Hyper Dying Will Mode.

Basil waits for that slight recognition, the slight peak of searing heat that always come from his Flames when in the presence of his Master. It's their Bond. The searing heat, Lal Mirch, the man's Rain Guardian, once told Basil that the heat is their Bond. She feels it too, she told him with glazed eyes, just that hers is so much intense that sometimes she asks herself if she would end up scorched.

Yet, looking into his Master's eyes filled with Sky Flames, Basil feels only something that reminds him of a long gone memory of a his pinky being sunburnt by the sun.

The searing heat that was something so integrated in his life he couldn't even remember a day without its constant presence, — the heat that he always thought was home — it is gone.

What…is…this?

Glazed blue eyes look up without really seeing. His young face is devoid of any feelings — he stares forward, looking unseeing at his Master as the man hovers over the boy on the medical bed.

"Basil?"

The man's voice is as distant as their Bond has suddenly become, and Basil can feel the panic raising.

"M-Master…" His voice is scratchy, and his faces twists with a somber mix of both longing and confusion, tears in his eyes as his breath turns erratical.

Iemitsu frowns in worry, his HDWM fading as he cradles the boy who could very well be his son into a warm embrace.

"Basil. Tell me. What is wrong? Something has happened…"

The boy sobs only once, before closing his eyes harshly. He should talk with his Master, warn him. Tell him that something wasn't right. That his Flames had done something wrong — or even that maybe someone had done something wrong to him because…

It wasn't that his Bond with Iemitsu was gone.

Their Bond was simply overwhelmed.

Gasping, he clutches his chest as something foreign and ridiculously loving somehow enters him. It's something akin to worry and reassurance — not his own, but obviously to him.

And it's with a startling relevance that Basil understands that this, this sudden new awareness and connection that he wake up to — it's a Bond.

But how could he Bond without even being awake?

"M-Master…Bond…I…Something isn't…"

"What is it? Has the Varia…"

"I don't know…I…Can you feel our Bond?"

The man frowns before letting go of the boy to stand by the bed's side. Basil sits up, clenching his hands in front of him and letting his dirty-blond hair form a curtain over his face.

"No? You know that I, unfortunately, was not gifted with a good Sky Awareness."

(Sky Awareness — the ability of a Sky to have conscience over their Bonds to Bonded Elementals other than their Guardians.)

Basil feels like crying again, because in this new Bond to this unknown Sky, they are obviously aware of him. And they are worried. They cared.

"It's…It's almost…gone…" He whispers and flinches when the older male grabs his shoulders, his gaze burning as he stares down at the teenage.

"What."

•••

Skull was fine, thank you very much.

There was absolutely no need for some random kid to throw a Bond with an Instinct Aspect at him.

Nope.

Skull de Mort really didn't need that kind of trouble.

He would totally just ignore the probably never-fading Bond that now buzzed on the back of his head with constant feelings and warmness and— nope. He was just fine.

Forget it that no one could really Deny a Instinct Bond, and that even if it didn't evolve from its First Stage it would never disappear and that such a Bond was something would probably just make him insaner than he already was because really what more could destroy an immortal mind other than Discord and he Bonded with a mortal-

Nope. He was fine.

Totally fine.

Absolutely fine.

To-tal-ly.

Fi-ne.

"I need vodka."

Okay then, he wasn't fine.

"S-Skull-sama. Y-You prohibited us f-from e-ever g-giving vodka to y-you again."

He let his head roll towards the trembling form of the Carcassa Famiglia minion. His blazing purple eyes, hidden by his helmet, almost seemed to devour the poor sod, who knew that his Commander wasn't really in his playful humor.

Sighing, he looked away, his eyes taking in the sunrise over the sea's horizon. He really enjoys the Carcassa's airship usefulness.

"Okay then."

The myriad of colors in the sunrise was really fascinating.

"Tell me something about Mafia's gossip network. Maybe there is a wedding to crash or something equally as stupid."

"Eh, Skull-sama." He turns towards one of the only humans in the Famiglia he is currently allied that he finds entertaining.

"Oh! Mister Cheese! Tell Skull-sama something he doesn't know." Tilting his head, he jumps in front of the yellow-headed young man that always seemed to eat Camembert cheese.

"Please refrain from calling me this, sir."

"Don't be boring Mister Cheese!"

Sighing, the young man shakes his head and then holds out a photograph displaying a young brunet clashing with a longhaired swordsman.

Not any swordsman though. Raising an eyebrow, Skull grabs the picture and brings it close to his face. That's Squalo Superbi…

"It seems that the Vongola are acting up…something about its heir — it seems that Xanxus di Vongola will not be the next Vongola boss and he doesn't like it one bit."

"Ho~? But he just returned from wherever he disappeared from… And who the hell is the Vongola Decimo then?"

"Probably one of Young Lion of Vongola's children. One of the two that we met at Mafia Land, remember? They were Tsunayoshi and Daniela Sawada. Reborn is probably training them for the position." The young man taps his lips, seemingly ignorant of the frozen form of his superior. "I feel kind of bad for the girl though. She's not going to last much more than her brother."

Probably…not…last…much…

"I mean — she probably doesn't have Guardians or Bonds! She's so young!"

No…Guardians…Bonds…Not…last…much…

"She's going to die. The poor girl is cute and all, but so frail looking."

She…die…cute…girl…frail…

Die.

"Mister Cheese."

"Skull-sama?"

"I'm afraid the great Skull can no longer associate with your Famiglia. I will try not to kill you all though, 'cause you're kinda funny." Skull walks calmly towards one the windows, perching himself on the windowsill.

"W-What?"

"Skull-sama!"

"You can't!"

"Wait!"

Ignoring the outrageous cries of his ex-minions, Skull turns to them knowing that the sunrise light will enhance his awesomeness and make him just a tad bit cooler — like those shounen mangá from Japan.

"But I have a last trial for you my minions!" With that, he takes out a small grenade and let his Cloud Flames sip into it. "Now, let us see who can survive Cloud Infused explosions!"

With that he pulls the pin and jumps out of the window, landing on top of his giant squid's head, Oodako, just as the giant purple explosion destroys the airship above him.

Seeing one little piece of Camembert cheese fall not a few feet away from him, Skull chuckles before pointing towards the direction of where he knew Japan was waiting for him. Through his Bond, he can feel giddiness and curiosity as the girl senses his strange rage and joyful vengeance.

"Come on, Oodako! We have a battle to crash!"

And for the first time, he sends back something through their Bond.

"Everything will be alright, sunshine."

(Reassurance.)

•••

"Chrome Dokuro."

Startled, the young girl looks up to meet the calm gaze of the blond man who strolls into her room in Kokuyo Land. She was lounging lazily on a chaise previously owned by a blue-headed illusionist.

Gripping her trident, she looks at him nervously, the dim light from the early morning sunlight is striking on his face, making his dark blond hair seem lighter.

Chikusa and Ken are nowhere in sight, and Chrome gulps her fear down, evoking illusions of chains around the man. But just as the chains circle the man, orange fire sprouts out of his forehead and suddenly there is a pickaxe coated in the same orange flame threatening to cut in to her fragile neck.

The illusions shatters, and all there is left is a fearful Chrome.

Her one indigo doe-like eye gazes at the big man with trepidation, but her grip on the trident tightens and she jumps back, reading her stance in a defensive form.

This man…

Blinking in surprise, Chrome perks up as Mukuro's voice echoes in her head.

Mukuro-sama?

"Chrome Dokuro." The young girl looks cautiously at the man. "I know of your connection to one Mukuro Rokudo."

Oya Oya~ This could be interesting.

"Mukuro, I have a proposition for you."

Chrome's voice seems to echo in the room as answers softly.

"What is it?"

The man smirks.

"You want to destroy the Mafia, right?" The blond then throws a small object to the illusionist.

And it's not Chrome's dainty hands that catch it.

A leather clad hand easily catches the object, bringing it closer to a handsome male face. Mukuro directs his heterochromatic gaze towards the man, trepidation growing in his chest.

"And how would half of a ring help me?" It's not like he doesn't know what he is holding. It's one of the most wanted objects in the Mafia world — a Vongola Guardian Ring.

"It would mark you as Vongola Decimo's Mist Guardian. An unique opportunity to destroy the Mafia from inside, don't you think?"

Pursing his lips in displeasure, Mukuro can feel the want for vengeance and thirst for blood growing in him — almost immediately soothed by Dany, as the girl feels his distress through their Bond.

A…Guardian?

Mukuro knows very well that even if he could have multiple Bonds with diverse people, he could only be a Guardian to one person, one Sky.

And he knows that Tsunayoshi Sawada is not the Sky he wants to be with.

(He loves her embrace, her care, her warmth.)

He would give himself to her if she asked. If she ordered. It's pathetic and he hates it — it's the only reason for him to not surrender himself to her. (If only she asked for it…)

Mukuro has no control over her — and he loves it. He loves the thrill he feels when he is beside her.

Besides Daniela.

But…he's greedy. He is selfish. He is arrogant.

Duty…

Mukuro smirks at the man, even when he feels himself crack a little bit inside.

What a pitiful fate I have encountered.

"Tsunayoshi Sawada has his Guardian, Young Lion. You may go, but know this," He turns away so that the man can't see his face twisted by pain and despair. "Don't expect him to survive for a long reign."

•••

When Dany wakes up that fateful morning, she knows that something has changed.

First it is to her newly formed Bond — the boy is having a panic attack. She doesn't know how to deal with his sudden distress, but she ties her best to sooth him when suddenly their Bond is turned into a fuzzy confused mess that she can not compute — it almost seems like it is blocked.

After the boy it is Skull who worries her, after a raging and crazy myriad of emotions appears for some reason and reaches out to her when she had never ever feel anything slip from his side of the Bond, and after she sends her curiosity to him — he answers.

He is coming to her — she knows it.

But then…

Not even ten minutes after Skull's uncharacteristic Bond response, it is Mukuro that reaches through their Bond.

It is like he doesn't even have consciousness over it — he just reaches out for her, grasping at metaphorical strands of her Flame with such despair that she doesn't even hesitate in sending reassurance to him, she just tries her best in soothing her Bonded Mist.

In the next few seconds, she feels the pain and anger he feels — bemused despair that just confuses her.

But then she feels it — the minute draw back in their Bond. Almost like small cracks, not falling apart, but forcefully invaded. It feels like something else, someone else, is invading, tainting, tearing at their Bond. It's faint and so very small that is barely there, this little crack, she hates it.

Opening her eyes to her dark bedroom, filled with the early morning sunlight, Dany can feel the tears in her eyes as a deep sadness lingers in her chest. A slight pressure on her hands calls her attention to Fon, safely tucked in her arm and with his little hand firmly grasping hers.

Sighing, she pulls her Storm Guardian closer, letting her tears drop on her pillow.

Centering herself, she let her mind fall into her Bonds, each of them warming her with all their might. Her Guardians, her Bonded — all of those she loves are there for her. Even when they didn't know or didn't sense it. I-Pin, Lambo, Bianchi, Hibari, her Guardians, her mother, her brother…

It's in this moment, in this fleeting moment of solace that she feels determination fill her.

Mukuro may have decided to not be her protector, her partner, hers. He may not be her Guardian — but she is Bonded to him and him to her.

They would not be torn apart.

•••

"Good morning!"

Blinking at the orange clad knees standing in front of her while Dany ties her shoes, getting ready for another day of school and sighing exasperated with her brother's tardiness, purple eyes lift up towards the grinning face of a man she had only seen two years back and the little girl sighs.

"Papa. You have returned…"

Strong arms circle around her, and Iemitsu Sawada twirls her around, laughing merrily at his daughter.

"Principessa! Your daddy is home!" He stops spinning, pulling her small body close to his chest and smiling softly at the blonde child. "Aren't you happy?"

"I hope that you've remembered to bring the penguin photos I asked for."

"Ha! How could I forget our deal?!" Putting the girl down on the floor, the man fix her wavy hair and straightens her school's skirt and blouse, before taking a bunch of photos from his pocket and holding them out to her. "I almost couldn't believe how excited you got over that penguin post card! You know that if you wanted a penguin so much I could bring one to you!"

Smiling softly at the photos she gently held in her hands, Dany giggles at her father's goofiness. He had always been a ridiculous man that seemed to have no bonds when regarding his family's wishes.

(But the only thing they really want is his presence.)

(And his presence is the only thing he denies.)

"No, Father. The photos are enough." She puts them into her pocket, grasping her school bag and giving him a brief hug before opening the door and stepping out of her home. Looking at him over her shoulder, she smirks. "One day I will see them by myself."

She closes the door just as Iemitsu bursts into dramatic tears about how strong and resolute his daughter is. The small pressure on top of her head assures her of Fon's presence and she walks away to another day of school.

•••

A/N: Hope you guys liked it! In this chapter, the difference between a Bond and a Guardian is put into light. So, nope. Basil is not Dany's Guardian, but his Bond with her is stronger simply by its Instinct Aspect. Of course, it can end up weaker, or it can evolve. It all depends on the person's Will. Their Willingness is pretty important — just like the Dying Will. They must really want it. Skull isn't Dany's Guardian, but he has a Instinct Bond with her, thus the reason by its strength.

Just another thing — the type of Bonds for each Sky set — everyone is different. And so, each Sky has its own way to connect to their Elements. (I always thought that it wouldn't be quite realistic if everyone had the same kind of Bond.)

The Acorbaleno are sensitive to any Flame. And that's the difference in-between them and everybody else. Dany's Bond allows someone to have conscience over their own Flame and hers, but other than that they will keep clueless. And what about Lambo, and I-Pin? Her mother and Tsuna? How can they be 'Bonded', yet they can't feel it?

Guess you will have to guess or wait until everything is revealed.

About Mukuro — as I said, their Will is important when regarding a Bond, even more a Guardian Aspect. So, yes, Mukuro has basically denied his 'call' as Dany's Mist Guardian.

•••

Also, Tsume Yuki asked a pretty interesting question in the previous chapter.

"Couldn't Mukuro make Dany's lungs better using Mist illusions as he does Chrome's?"

Well, this question got me so hyped that I already answered her. BUT! I thought to myself, wouldn't it be more…interesting…if Mukuro himself answered that question?

Well, I hope that you're reading these notes and that you enjoy the following TYL!Omake that I wrote to answer her question (again).

Enjoy.

~MariDark

•••

OMAKE - CAREFUL! Kind of spoilerish?

•••

"Do you think you can handle it?"

Bronze eyes stare unflinchingly at the navy-blue haired man in front of him. The man has long hair half pinned in a pineapple hairdo and the rest of it in a low ponytail reaching his waist. Clothed in leather pants, boots and leather trench coat over a white shirt and loose black necktie, the man is handsome and aristocratic.

"Kufufufu~ Spy on the albino freak? Easy enough, Tsunayoshi."

The man, Tsunayoshi, sighs in almost relief at the other man's words. His caramel hair, slightly longer and more stylish than in his teenage years, is soft as he pass his long fingers through it.

"I already have a target in potential that you could possess. Chrome can easily get close enough for it, so we already have that covered." The man pushes a file over his desk, eyes connecting with the leather clad man's heterochromatic gaze.

"Kufufufu~" The man snaps the file after a brief look into it, letting his arm fall at his side and turning away from his Sky. "Then I shall go. I still have a few minutes to spare for my piccola."

The illusionist chuckles at the bitter expression on Tsunayoshi's face before he turns away, waving at his Sky and walking briskly towards the door, anxious to see-

"Mukuro, wait."

With his hands on the double door's handles, Mukuro Rokudo waits for his Sky's next words.

"Do…Do you regret it?" When Mukuro turns around, meeting his Sky's turbulent eyes, his eyebrow is raised bemusedly. "Do you regret…denying her?" The Vongola Decimo's next words bring pain to both of them. "Do you regret being my Mist?"

"I…"

"Don't answer without thinking!" Tsuna's face twists with pain and regret. "I know how deep Dany's Bonds can be. I know how devastating it is to have it broken…" They both cringe at the remembrance. "But," He looks up with hopeful, searching eyes that almost crush Mukuro with their weight. "I also know how healing they can be."

Ah. Suddenly, Tsunayoshi's question seems to have more sense. Mukuro knows that Tsuna is grateful for their Guardian Bond, Tsuna is grateful for having both Mukuro and Chrome. But he also loves his sister — more than almost anything else, just like the illusionist himself.

"For more that…our Guardian Bond had a shaky start — no. I don't regret it."

"But…why?"

"Because, for more that I'm our Guardian, it is her that I treasure more. You know it already, Vongola. Chrome and Piccola are the only beings that keep me grounded to this plane."

"But then-"

"Don't ask for this again, Vongola."

"You keep Chrome alive, and come on! It's been a long time you can't deny that you do lo-"

"I can not heal, Sawada!"

Silence is defying in the room. Almost oppressive as the two powerhouses stare each other down.

Grinding his teeth, Tsunayoshi hisses out, his eyes filled with orange.

"And what about Chrome?"

Closing his eyes harshly, Mukuro drags his hands through his hair in a rare show of frustration. His spins, showing his back to the Sky and his hands clasps his hips as he frowns at the door before turning back to his Sky and marching towards him. He smashes his hands on top of the other's table, bringing his face to close to him and narrowing his eyes at Tsuna.

"Chrome has no organs. They don't fail because she has none, so I'm free to trick her body into thinking they are there." Gulping, his eyes never stray from his Sky's. "If I had ever dared to illusion Daniela Sawada's sickness, of any kind, it would only develop without we ever noticing."

He leans forward, mouth at the Sky's ear as he whispers the forbidden words they all swore to never ever dare to speak.

"Daniela would die."

Mukuro draws back, walking backwards towards the door, eyes never leaving his Sky's stone-like face, and when the caramel haired man nods in acceptance, Mukuro turns away, opens the double door and walks directly through a path he knew with his eyes closed.

Stopping in front of the most heavily protected room in the Vongola's HQ, Mukuro closes his eyes and sighs with relief as the warmth of his Bond with his piccola engulfs him.

Opening the door, his eyes immediately find the purple orbs of his piccola.

"Welcome home."

•••

A/N: Is this confusing? Is it understandable?

Did you like it?

See you next!

~MariDark