So you may be wondering, "WHY THE HELL ARE YOU WRITING THIS STORY! UPDATE THE OTHER ONE THAT YOU'VE ABANDONED FOR FOUR MONTHS!" I will concur that I am a lousy updater, but I really wanted to write this so here I am.

This story will include shounen-ai, war themes, Roman gods, Japanese gods, and varying differences between Italian and Japanese culture. Half of the stuff I may or may not made up because I could. Thank you :)

The Two Princes of Terra Kingdom

The library was silent. The only noise was in the oldest, dustiest part of the room, where soft shuffling of papers was heard as a man with white hair in a white suit pulled books off a shelf. Despite the color of his hair, the man was young and handsome with a small smile always on his mouth. He examined each shelf for his needed material. One book in particular caught his notice; a dull-looking black book with faded, peeling letters. The man reached up, grasped the book gently for it looked so old, and wiggled it out of place. He blew a little dust off of the cover and opened to the front page, reading the small text.

"… and so the Royal Knights of our kingdom Terra defeated the Guardians of Cielo and cast a shield over our world to forever block the attacks that the vengeful Cielo may attempt to execute. Our brave king, his Majesty Cozart Shimon…"

Lies, the man thought with an amused snort, clapping the book shut. A ray of cold sunlight shone through the stained-glass window and illuminated a purple mark on his cheek. All of it is lies. Who publishes this rubbish?

He took his selected stack of books and trudged towards a small wooden table with two chairs. The man set the books down, organized a few pieces of paper, then sat down to await his young charge.

Any minute now…

There was a scraping sound from the entrance to the library before a messy mop of brown hair peered around the door. "Good afternoon, Scholar Byakuran,"

Byakuran smiled. "Good afternoon, young Prince Tsunayoshi."

"… in 20XX the harvest of Selva flourished greatly and as an offering of companionship they gave half of their crops to our sister world, Mare… young Prince, are you listening?"

"Y-Yes!" Tsuna bolted upright and nodded furiously, scrubbing sleep out of his eyes. "I-I was daydreaming a little. Forgive my impudence."

"It is alright," Byakuran assured him. "I used to fall asleep too, when I was learning of our world's history."

Tsuna blanched. He knew what was coming.

"However, it is unsightly for a prince to fall asleep – drooling for that matter – so please don't do it again."

Right on the head, Tsuna wept, feeling a heavy rock saying "unsightly" smack him hard on the brow. Byakuran was the type of person who would comfort you one moment then squash your confidence the next. No noble woman could be more vicious. Tsuna sighed. Sometimes I wonder if he hates me…

Young Prince Tsunayoshi, or Tsunayoshi Kozato, was the second in line for the throne of Shimon Cozart. The first heir to the throne was Tsuna's older brother, Enma Kozato. Tsuna and his brother could not have looked less alike; Enma's hair and eyes were a ruby red, as did all descendants of royalty, while Tsuna's hair and eyes were chocolate brown. Enma's skin was pale like most Terra dwellers. Tsuna's skin was a tanner shade "like those barbarians of Cielo," he had once heard the nobles whisper. Despite the differences, Tsuna and Enma loved each other. It didn't matter what others said, Enma had once told him: "We are brothers. And we look exactly alike".

"Now then Young Prince," Byakuran opened a book. "Please recite the history of Cielo and Terra."

"Yes!" Tsuna automatically stood up and began to narrate.

Our universe consists of three main worlds; Terra, Cielo, and Mare. The three worlds lived in harmony together under the vow of the Trinisette. Terra and Cielo were especially close because their rulers, our King Shimon Cozart and the Emperor of Cielo Vongola Giotto, were best friends.

The residents of Cielo are called 'Angelos'. Though they look like Terra's 'Humanos', the most distinguishing features between the two races are the wings the Angelos bear. The color of the wings depends on what region of Cielo the angels come from. The wings can vary from orange, red, yellow, blue, indigo, green, and violet.

And what are the names of the regions?

The main region is also known as Cielo, where the Angelos have orange wings. Tempesta is red. Pioggia is blue. Sole is yellow. Fulmine is green. Nuvolo is violet. Nebbia is indigo. Unlike Terra, where the continents lay flat on the ground, the regions of Cielo float in the sky in a column. From the bottom up the order is Nebbia, Fulmine, Tempesta, Pioggia, Nuvolo, then Cielo. Sole is the only one out of the column, a little off to the side in order to give all regions its light.

And what of Terra?

Terra also consists of seven 'regions' which we call continents. The original names of the continents are Asia, Europe, Africa, Australia, North America, South America, and Antarctica. After the 'Merge of Land', the continents were renamed. Europe became Terra. Antarctica became Ghiacciaio. Africa became Metallo. Australia became Palude. South America became Selva. North America became Montagna. Finally, Asia became Deserto.

Tell me more about his Majesty and Emperor Giotto.

His Majesty Shimon Cozart and Emperor Vongola Giotto were similar to each other in ideas and abilities, making them the best of friends. His Majesty and Vongola Giotto are most similar in the fact that they both have extremely long lives. It is not known for how long, but it is said that they have lived since the beginning of time. Because of their strong bond, Terra and Cielo had long coexisted in harmony.

One day a family on Terra was murdered and the accused was a citizen of Nebbia. The murderer was forced in to exile and became what is known as an Angelo Caduto – a 'Fallen Angel' – and the incident was forgiven… but then a family in Nebbia was slaughtered and the Angelos of Nebbia believed that Terra was extracting revenge. As a result, Nebbia and Terra were forced in to war. Naturally Nebbia called upon its allies to help. Terra attempted to pacify with Cielo but the attempts were fruitless, as more and more Humanos and Angelos were slain every day. In the end, the war developed.

The war only went two ways. Terra was on one side, Cielo and the Arcobaleno Realm on the other. Mare was neutral. Arcobaleno was a powerful country, governed by the Seven Sacred Sages. The Terra Knights defeating the Arcobaleno Realm by killing the Seven Sages and literally eliminated their world off the map. Cielo, infuriated by the destruction of their comrades, released a devastating series of attacks on Terra, nearly winning the war.

In order to protect Terra from all attacks, the Royal Knights cast a great shield over Terra. The first shield failed; it was destroyed by the power of the Cielo Guardians. However our Knights did not give up and put up another shield, this one stronger and well-enforced with power. The Guardians could not break this shield and stopped attacking Terra as a result. Since then, the war has slowly lessened but both sides still take Humanos and Angelos as slaves; a sign that the peace between Terra and Cielo may never be restored.

"Very good, Prince Tsunayoshi," remarked Byakuran. "Your history is well read. Let us move on to Japanese."

"Yes, Scholar Byakuran," Tsuna obliged by putting away his history notes that he had been peeking at and took out his Japanese book. Byakuran paused for a moment.

"Young Prince."

"Yes?"

"Do you know the reason why we have you learn Japanese?"

"Because Japanese is the native language of Cielo?"

"Correct. And the native language of Terra?"

"Italian."

"Also correct," Byakuran paused. "Now are you aware that you are the only one within the Royal Famiglia – not even Prince Enma – besides His Majesty Shimon Cozart and I who knows how to speak Japanese?"

"Yes," there was a faint note of pride in Tsuna's voice.

Byakuran quietly snorted but smiled cheerfully. "Do you know why?"

Tsuna, puzzled by this question, shook his head. "I'm afraid that I do not," he glanced up at Byakuran and instantly recoiled. Byakuran was smiling, but it wasn't only that which resided on his face. There was also an undeniable look of greed dancing within Byakuran's purple eyes. He gulped and looked away, chills running down his spine.

"I suppose you will learn soon enough," Byakuran said softly. Tsuna shuddered. "Now, turn to page 100 and read the following passage…"

"Enma!"

Seventeen-year-old Prince Enma Kozato turned around and received an armful of his younger brother. "Tsuna!" he said in surprise. "You shouldn't run in the halls like that."

"I'm sorry," Tsuna said breathlessly. "I just wanted to tell you that there's the Ceres Festival in town today. Can we go together?" he hopped on one foot to the next. He had been anxious all week for his brother's reply.

"A festival?" Enma frowned lightly. "I'm sorry, Tsuna, but I don't think that I can go… I have a couple of meetings and such to attend to…"

Tsuna pouted. "You never have time anymore," he muttered, before quickly apologizing. "I'm sorry, I don't mean to complain, but – "

"I know, I know," Enma smiled softly. "I haven't been able to spend any more time with you. How's this? I'll ask the Council to postpone some of the meetings until tomorrow, then I can go with you. Okay?"

"Yeah!" Tsuna exclaimed, delighted. "Thanks Enma!"

Enma nodded. "It's settled then. Run along now, I've got work to do."

Tsuna watched as his brother left. He was thinner and his skin had turned even paler compared to only a year ago. Another change was the ornate Shimon Ring of Earth that glittered on his left hand. The only thing that hadn't changed was the same subtle gloomy aura that surrounded him. I suppose that it is to be expected, Tsuna thought sympathetically. He's been completely stressed out since he had to take over for Grandfather Cozart.

And…

He hasn't been the same since our sister Mami died…

Cozart Shimon reclined in his throne, scanning the documents that had just been handed to him by the Ghiacciao Knight successor. "Thank you, Adelheid," the immortal King smiled tiredly at the tall girl. "Give my greetings and love to your mother."

"Of course sir," Adelheid nodded. Enma's childhood friend stood, relaxed, in front of her ruler. A responsible girl, Adelheid Suzuki of Ghiacciaio had inherited her mother's position as one of the seven Knights of Terra at age fifteen. Despite the rumors of her father being an Angelo (most likely of Nuvolo or Pioggia), she had grounded all beliefs to dust under her triumphs, including her win over the Angelo Caduto of Fulmine, Dendro Chilum; a ruthless murderer who was banished from Cielo and attempted to seek refuge in Ghiacciaio. Needless to say he sank back in to his criminal ways until Adelheid found him and mercilessly defeated him, winning the respect of those whom had previously doubted her. However the rumors surrounding her linage still lived on in whispers…

"You may go," Cozart sighed and rubbed his eyes. "Please send in the next person on your way out."

"Yes sir," Adelheid curtsied and exited the room. She tapped a boy her age on the shoulder, a tall youth wearing a fedora. "Julie, your turn."

Julie Katou, Deserto's future Knight, glanced up and gave her a winning smile. "How about a kiss of encouragement Adel – OW!"

"Hurry up. Do not keep his Majesty waiting," Adel wiped the hand she used to slap Julie on her skirt. "I'm going to find Enma. Catch up when you're finished," she strode off to find her prince without a backward glance at her childhood sweetheart.

Julie sighed, grumbling."It's all about Enma these days, that brat…"

Adelheid walked briskly down the halls of the castle, eyes quickly and methodically scanning for a familiar head of red hair. She did not see one but she did spot a familiar mop of brown hair halfway out of the window. "Tsunayoshi!"

"HIII! Help me! Adelheid!"

Adelheid rushed forwards and grabbed Tsuna by the scruff of the neck and pulled him back inside. "What on earth were you doing! You can't fly you know!" Adelheid scolded the young prince.

Tsuna gave a very shaky laugh. "Sorry, but I had to. Look…" he pointed.

Adel looked out the window in to the leaves of an oak. "What is it…" she paused. "Oh…"

A little below the ledge of the window was an extremely rare sight; a nest of a robin. Inside were four, softly peeping baby birds. One of them was not as snuggled in as its siblings. It had obviously been outside of the nest then recently put back. "It had fallen out of the nest. Luckily the bushes saved it, but then when I came up here to put it back the nest was further down then I thought and I tilted too far," Tsuna said sheepishly, rubbing the back of his head.

Adelheid sighed. "I see. But little Prince, you shouldn't do such a dangerous thing. Let a servant do it."

"I can't!" Tsuna protested. "Birds are rare in Terra because they're originally from Cielo. If I let anyone else know about their existence, then they would be killed!"

Adelheid had to admit that Tsuna had a point. Birds were unappreciated in Terra because of their wings and mastery of the air. The Humanos considered them to be spies for Cielo and killed them on sight. Only the rich and powerful bought birds as pets, and even then they were mistreated.

"Okay, I won't tell anyone either," Adelheid relented. Adelheid was very fond of Tsuna because of the similar uncertainty of their ancestry. She had heard many unsavory rumors about Tsuna, including the oddness of his skin tone and his strange resemblance to the Emperor Giotto…

"Thanks Adelheid," Tsuna smiled with relief. Tsuna, likewise, admired Adelheid very much. She was one of the few Knights who were kind to him; scratch that, she was the only Knight who was kind to him. All the others secretly bullied him behind Adelheid and Enma's back.

"Do you know where Enma is?" Adelheid asked, remembering her previous objective.

"Enma has a meeting with the Elders," Tsuna answered. "They're meeting in the Terra Council room in the Terra wing."

The Terra Castle had seven wings total, each individual wing named after and used by a continent for which it was built. For example, whenever Adelheid and her mother came to visit, they would briefly take up residence in the Ghiacciaio wing. Each wing was also decorated to make the residents feel more at home; the Selva wing had huge gardens and trees right in the hallways.

Adelheid sighed. If the Council had Enma in their clutches then they certainly wouldn't let go until the future King parroted all of their beliefs, even if he didn't believe in them. "Then, Tsuna, join me for some coffee?"

Tsuna attempted a smile but it came out as a grimace. He had never liked the taste of coffee; it just didn't sit right with him somehow. But all the citizens of the Earth loved the dark beverage and anyone who did not drink it black was teased. Tsuna gulped and nodded weakly. "S-Sure."

Tsuna and Adelheid walked towards the Terra kitchens, a large collection of rooms filled with cooking equipment and chefs. One particular room was a café for guests. That's where the young Prince and his lady Knight found Julie, sipping tea and discreetly eying the rear of a pretty young waitress.

Of course Adelheid noticed and slapped him. "Stop looking at others in such a disgraceful manner," she lectured, a subtle anger mark on her forehead. Tsuna coughed politely. Julie glanced at him. "Oh, good afternoon, Princey," Julie gave a smooth but cold smile. "Gracing us lower life forms with your presence?"

"Julie!" Adelheid moved to slap him again but Tsuna stopped her.

"It's okay, Adelheid," he smiled wanly. "I'm used to it."

Adelheid stood there for moment, hand still upraised and ready, before slowly lowering it. "Yes…" she gave Tsuna a small curtsy. "I apologize for showing such disgraceful behavior."

"It's alright…" Tsuna sat down. "Let's just order some drinks. Who wants a mocha latte?"

Meanwhile, within the Terra Council room…

"I won't allow it!" Enma slammed his hands down on the smooth wooden table. "I won't let you! You can't send him of all people! You can't!"

"We can and we shall," boomed a deep voice. "You are too naïve, Prince Enma. Drastic times call for drastic measures. No matter what, we must absolutely send him to Cielo."

"But to do such a thing… it's too cruel!" Enma cried, red eyes blazing in fury. "Never!"

"This is for our kingdom!" roared back the deep voice. "If you refuse to comply then you are a traitor! Young Prince Tsunayoshi Kozato will be sent as an Emissary to Cielo. That is an order!"

"Tsuna is still too young and inexperienced! What'll happen if he dies up there?"

"Then he dies for his Kingdom," silence penetrated the room before the soft musical voice of a woman spoke.

"Then all in favor…?"

That was really scary… Tsuna stood by the main entrance of the castle, thinking unhappily of Adelheid and Julie. Julie had continuously sent piercing jabs at him before finally Adelheid had lost her temper and activated her Shimon Ring of Glacier. Tsuna had to grab the waitresses and the chef and pull them behind the counter when the ice puppets started popping up from the vases on the tables. She almost destroyed the whole place before she got her temper back under control… Tsuna wept. He sank down and sat against the wall. "Enma is late…" he mumbled. Weren't they going to the festival together today? It was already six, and the festival ended at ten. "It takes about 45 minutes to get there…"

Tsuna didn't need to worry. Enma rounded the corner at a dash. "Sorry, Tsuna!" he breathed. "The Elders really wouldn't let me go," he wore a cap and sunglasses to hide his red hair and eyes; if he let them show, then everyone would know that he was the prince.

Tsuna gave Enma an especially radiant smile. "It's okay," he said. "Let's go! We might make it in time."

"Remember though, Tsuna," Enma bent down a little to talk to his little brother face to face. "We have to be discreet. If anyone recognizes us, then…"

Tsuna nodded in understanding. "Okay."

"Great! Then let's go…" he paused for a moment and patted Tsuna softly on the head. Tsuna blinked in confusion.

"Enma?"

"… Sorry, I just…" Enma looked pained. "Tsuna, I…"

"…?"

Enma closed his eyes, took a deep breath, then opened them again and smiled. "It's nothing. Shall we go?"

"Yeah!" Tsuna nodded.

Tsuna skipped ahead a couple paces in front of Enma in his excitement. The Prince of Terra stared at his little brother's back and sighed quietly.

I'm sorry, Tsuna… I couldn't protect you.

The town that the Terra Kingdom resided in was named Shimon after their King. Every start of the season, the town threw a festival to celebrate and pray for another good three months. Today was the start of spring, the season of plenty and harvest. As a result, the town was celebrating prosperity and offering goods to the goddess of harvest, Ceres. Fresh produce was everywhere, for both sale and contests. Wine and coffee were being served by the bucketfuls; people were either passing out from the alcohol or jumping around because of the caffeine.

Enma had bought a jug of coffee and shish kabobs of honey-roasted chicken. He shared them with his brother as they watched a parade of floats go by, all depicting the wonders of spring. As a float of roses of all colors was going by, a loud commotion was heard from the back of the crowd.

"You worthless slave!" roared a voice. "Can't you do anything right?"

Enma suddenly dissolved in to the mob, leaving Tsuna confused. "Enma?" he yelled, terrified. "Enma! Where are you!"

A huge shudder suddenly ran down Tsuna's spine and he fell forward on to his knees. He felt as if he were being doused in ice cold water. What in the world…?

Another shout came from the back. Tsuna got up ran blindly towards the voice and found himself the spectator to a heroic scene.

A man in his middle years, obviously of a higher up class, had his hand raised up and about to come down on his slave, when suddenly Tsuna's brother materialized out of nowhere and grabbed the man's arm. "Stop this," Enma said sternly. "Such a pathetic display… enough is enough!"

"Let go of me, you hooligan!" the man exclaimed furiously, ripping his hand out of Enma's grasp. "I'll have you know that I am the head of the *** Famiglia! I rank higher than you! I…" the man faltered as Enma peered over the top of his sunglasses, revealing his ruby red eyes. "Y-Your High – mph!"

Enma covered the man's mouth with his hand. "Silence, please," he said softly, dangerously. "Now that you are aware of the situation… will you please leave?"

The man swallowed and nodded slowly. "Y-Yes, Your… yes sir."

Enma bent down next to the slave and helped him up. He was tall, taller than Enma, dressed in the traditional outfit of a personal servant; a brown tunic with a hood and long brown pants made of worn cotton. Tsuna could not see the slave's face, but he moved fluidly and nimbly like a cat. He moves like a noble despite his status… Tsuna thought.

"Are you alright?" Enma asked. "Are you hurt anywhere?"

"I'm fine," Tsuna was struck by the voice; though weak, it was a deep, fine, and rich tenor.

Even the voice is that of a nobleman…

The slave kept his face downcast, a typical habit within the rank, and slowly backed away. "I sincerely apologize for disturbing your outing," he spoke quickly as if nervous of getting hit. "Please enjoy your day," he kept backing away from Enma until his back hit someone from the crowd… Tsuna.

Tsuna gave a small squeal and fell backwards. "HII! Ouch…"

"Ah!" the slave gasped and whirled around to bend over and offer a hand. "I am so sorry! May I help you up?"

Tsuna automatically took the slave's hand. "Yes, thank you…" he looked up and stared. The slave was incredibly handsome with a perfectly shaped face and long dark blue hair that hung in unkempt strands. What surprised Tsuna the most was the eyes; one was the deep color of the world of Mare, the other a rich red that shone more brightly and more sinisterly than those of the royal family.

The slave's face changed momentarily from bumbling to surprise, then to a small, arrogant smirk which actually enhanced the man's attractive features.

Suddenly the chill that Tsuna had felt when Enma disappeared came back and hit him full force. He doubled up, wrapping his arms tightly around himself and shivering.

"Oh my, are you sick, sir?" the voice was still that of a terrified slave while the face was that of a cruel master. The contrast bordered on sickening. "Please, look this way…"

Tsuna looked up at the face, breathing heavily. The slave gazed down upon him from between his long eyelashes and bent down even closer so that his lips brushed the young prince's ear, speaking in a familiar foreign language.

"Oh, if it isn't the missing Ouji of Oozora," the slave murmured softly. "Have you become a traitor, my little runaway?"

Japanese…? Tsuna thought hazily. Ouji is… prince. Oozora… is… bl…ue… s…k…y…

"Sir!"

"Tsuna!"

The last thing Tsuna heard was the panicked shout of his brother before the slave seemed to envelope him in a cloak of darkness and took him to a world of dark dreams of thoughts and memories so vivid they seemed real, though none of it made any sense…

Enma cradled Tsuna in his arms. He called out his brother's name repeatedly, not caring who would recognize them or report them. "Tsuna! Tsuna! Come on…"

"I'm sorry, sir. I didn't mean to make him faint, I really didn't," the slave babbled. "Please don't kill me sir, please!"

"I won't kill you," Enma reassured him. "Tsuna used to have fainting spells a lot as a kid, though I thought that he had gotten better now…" he stood up, carrying his brother in his arms. "I'll talk to my grandfather about this *** Famiglia and petition for your freedom."

"Really?" the slave's tone lit up. "Thank you very much sir! Thank you!" he bent down to kiss Enma's feet but the Terra Prince laughed and danced away. "It's alright. No need for thanks," he turned to walk away and the crowd parted like the Red Sea. "Good-bye."

"Good-bye, sir!" the slave was practically jumping around in his excitement.

The moment Enma was out of sight, the slave stopped jumping around like a maniac. Underneath his hood, he smiled maliciously and laughed. "Thank you very much indeed, Enma Kozato. Kufufufu…"

Tsuna saw the dream in black and white. He recognized nothing, recognized no one, and yet it all seemed familiar. He was floating, sometimes seeing things from the side like a movie, sometimes being an actor in the play. He saw himself as a child, younger than he ever remembered. Sometimes he saw things from his own eyes with lack of a baby's innocence.

He was crawling after something shiny and round when he was swept up around his middle and held up in the air. He wasn't scared; on the contrary, he was delighted. He laughed and gurgled and reached down to grab a tuft of hair. The sound was muted, as if he were listening through faulty speakers. The words of the person holding him were lost, but they were gentle and filled with love.

The scene changed. He was now a spectator, watching himself take his first, tottering steps. His younger self ran in to the arms of a boy not much older than he and almost fell. The boy held him up with thin but strong arms and wrapped his arms around him in a protective embrace. Again the younger him laughed and he saw the boy give a tiny smile…

Again the scene changed, but it was chaotic and terrifying. Again he was a baby. He was being carried in someone's arms through a hazy looking forest. The person holding him was cloudy and almost impossible to discern. All features were blocked, even height.

They were being chased. By whom or by what was uncertain, but the terrible feeling within Tsuna's stomach flooded slowly throughout his body. He cried out in fear and the one holding him smothered him with a cloth. He understood the need to be silent…

Suddenly chaos ensued. The world turned upside down and he screamed. The subdued sounds of a scuffle off to the side were heard. Tsuna attempted to turn his head but he was unable to move. Then as if the sound was turned up, all noise was abruptly discernible. There were shouts of anger and terror. Footsteps echoed and slowly grew fainter as the chasers were now chased away…

A person's face came back in to view. The only part that Tsuna could see were the eyes, but the face already seemed familiar. A dark, sticky liquid ran down the face from an unseen source.

Another yell was heard and the face snapped to look towards the direction from which it came. He cursed lowly and began to use his hands to dig a hole in the ground. The ground was not made up of solid land; it seemed to be made of some sort of cotton.

The person grabbed him and flipped him over on to his stomach. He grabbed something on Tsuna's back and pulled hard. There was a blinding sensation of pain and Tsuna screamed and cried. Regardless, the person grabbed Tsuna and held him over the hole, speaking directly at the baby for the first time.

"You must live!" the voice was that of a child. "You must!" and then the person let go and he was falling falling falling…!

Tsuna awoke with a start. "AGH!"

"Whoa!" Enma gave a huge jump. "Don't scare me like that!"

Tsuna blinked. Where was he? What was going on? Why wasn't he falling?

He looked around and slowly took in his surroundings. This was his room. This was his bed. Enma was sitting in his favorite cushy armchair next to his bedside, reading a book. Judging by the light from the window, it was already late at night.

"W-What happened?" Tsuna breathed.

"You fainted," Enma got up and sat down on the edge of Tsuna's bed. "I guess your anemia hasn't gone away. You used to pass out a lot when you were little. There were times as a baby where you even stopped breathing for a while."

Tsuna had calmed down enough now. "Oh," he sighed. "Sorry, Enma, I had a really weird dream. I dreamed that I was in a strange place where the ground was cotton and I was falling through it and…"

Enma reached over and patted Tsuna comfortingly on the head. "It was only a dream. You shouldn't worry about it so much," he said gently. "Just forget about it."

"But it all seemed so real."

"All dreams seem real, little brother. But they are nothing more than a dream."

"Yeah..." Tsuna smiled. "Yeah... you're right."

"Go take a shower. You're all sweaty."

"Mm. Okay," Tsuna got up and rummaged through his closet for a change of clothes. When he turned around, Enma was staring at him intently. "What? Do you want to come in with me?"

Enma smiled. "It's alright. Maybe some other time. We haven't bathed together for such a long time, huh…"

"Let's do it tomorrow," Tsuna grinned. "I'll scrub your back if you scrub mine."

"Another Japanese thing?"

"Not really. I think it's an American saying."

"America? That's old already!"

Tsuna laughed and went in to his bathroom. Enma chuckled until he heard the water turn on. Then he stopped, hunched over, and clamped his hands tightly together to the point where his knuckles turned white.

"Why does he know…" Enma said slowly. "Why are his memories coming back now…?" he breathed shakily. "Tsuna, please," he whispered. "I've already lost Mami, I don't want to lose you too…"

Fifteen minutes later, Tsuna was clean and well refreshed. He went to lie on his bed and sighed contently. "Mm. Long showers are the best," he rolled over. "Enma already went back too… maybe I should go to sleep soon…" he laid still for a while before standing up and walking towards his personal balcony. The sweet breeze of spring blew gently on his face and he smiled. "I wonder how the festival ended…"

He leaned back and let the wind caress his cheeks when an unwelcome and familiar chill suddenly ran over him. "Ugh…!" he shuddered and crouched down, feeling unpleasant shivers rack his body. "Again… it's happening again…!" he gasped, feeling short of breath. "Where is the feeling coming from…?"

There was a set of stairs from his balcony that led down in to one of the Terra gardens. He slowly took the steps, one at a time, clutching his midriff the entire time. The feeling was coming straight from the forest surrounding the castle, and the closer he got, the lesser the terrible feeling felt. He meandered bit by bit through the trees, unsure of what he was doing. It felt as if he were in a haze.

Come…

Tsuna froze. An ethereal whisper slowly rustled through the leaves. "Who are you?" he whispered back.

There was softly, ghostly laughter. I am a key holder… the trees whispered. I am a demon…

Tsuna gave a squeak of fear and began to run. He did not know where he was going, nor did he care. All he wanted to do was get away from that place as fast as possible. He stumbled between tree trunks until he came to a sudden clearing, where that horrible feeling finally faded.

"Thank god," he groaned, sitting down on the grass and panting lightly for breath. "I got away…"

"I would not be so sure of that," came an amused and all too familiar voice. Tsuna whirled around to face dichromatic eyes, of deep blue and evil red. "Good to see you again, young prince Tsunayoshi Kozato."

Tsuna fell backwards. "Hiii… I-I can't say the same for you," his voice quivered.

The slave from the festival laughed. He spoke again in Japanese "Kuhahaha! At least you have the slightest bit of backbone. This would be boring if you didn't."

"Who are you?" Tsuna whispered. "Who?"

"I have been watching you for a very long time now," the slave came closer. "I have many names and many identities… but as for a name…" he knelt down to take Tsuna's chin between his lithe fingers and brushed his mouth against the brunette's ear, again sending shivers up his spine.

"You may call me Rokudo Mukuro."

Gotta love our evil illusionist. I will be putting up some character files so that you can keep track of each character's new role. I understand how confusion AUs may be. Aiyaiyai...

Terra Kingdom: The world ruled by the immortal King Cozart Shimon and his descendants. All royal Famiglia members of Terra have red eyes and hair, a trait like no other. Each King is called 'Shimon Primo, Shimon Segundo, Shimon Tercero' and so on. Terra consists of seven continents named Terra (Earth), Ghiacciao (Glacier), Selva (Forest), Deserto (Desert), Palude (Swamp), Montagna (Mountian), and Metallo (Metal). Terra came to be after the 'Merge of Land', or when the seven original continents crashed together to form one giant piece of land. The main language of Terra is Italian, but there is also Spanish, English, Latin, and French. Citizens of Terra also worship the Roman Gods, and hold festivals for them every month. The citizens of Terra are called Humanos. The special treasure of the Royal Famiglia are the Shimon Rings, crafted by the Cielo metal smith Talbot when Cielo and Terra were still on good terms.

Cielo Empire (Oozora Empire): A domain floating in the sky, ruled by the immortal Emperor Vongola Giotto. Unlike Terra, the regions in Cielo float in the sky in a column. Despite Terra calling the regions by their Italian names (Cielo, Tempesta, Pioggia, Sole, Fulmine, Nuvolo, Nebbia), the people of Cielo call their regions Sora (Sky), Arashi (Storm), Ame (Rain), Taiyou (Sun), Kaminari (Lightning), Kumo (Cloud), and Kiri (Mist). Likewise, instead of Angelos, they refer to themselves as Tenshi. Tenshi have beautiful wings which with they are born. The color of the wings depend on the region. The Empire also has a treasure crafted by Talbot; the Vongola Rings, equal in power to the Shimon Rings. Japanese is Cielo's main language, but there is also Chinese and Korean mixed in, especially on the borders of the capitals in each region. For a point of interest the capital of Kumo is Namimori, while the capital of Kiri is Kokuyo.

Mare Domain: It is the biggest territory out of the three worlds but is also the most mysterious. Mare keeps itself to itself and rarely interferes with the ongoing war between Terra and Cielo. There have been rumors that the Tritones (Merfolk) have power equal to the rings of Vongola and Shimon...

Arcobaleno Realm: A country that was used as a bridge between Cielo and Terra. A combination of Humanos and Angelos used to live there in harmony... before it was destroyed by Terra as a declaration of war. The Seven Sacred Sages of the Arcobaleno Realm are rumored to have perished during the attack, and the mystical Arcobaleno Pacifiers were lost forever...

Tsunayoshi Kozato (a.k.a. Tsuna): The 14-year-old protagonist. The second prince to the Terra Kingdom, he is innocent, easily scared, and naive to the world. Despite his mild-mannered nature, he is much sharper and knowledgeable than most people think. Enma considers Tsuna strong because he is able to take all insults with a smile. Despite the constant unkindness from his subjects, he is very kind and gentle to those in need. As a result, though many of the nobles dislike him, he has a great many fans among the commoners.

Enma Kozato: Tsuna's older brother by three years. He is the eldest prince of the Terra Kingdom and the next in line for the throne. Enma, like his younger brother, is very kind and gentle, but can be easily angered and frustrated. He is wise and often helps the Terra Council make decisions (though whether or not his opinions truly count remain to be seen). He apparently used to have another younger sibling, Mami Kozato, who died mysteriously several years ago. It was thought that she had been killed by Angelos, though he seems to bear no visible grudge.

Cozart Shimon: The Immortal King of Terra. He has been around for almost thousands of years. There are rumors that he had lived during the Dawn of Time, along with Vongola Giotto. Cozart is an immortal, but he does not like to continuously rule his kingdom. His descendants take control for him during long periods of time while Cozart oversees their decisions; otherwise he keeps himself to himself and only opens up to either Enma or Tsuna. Currently he is now King because Enma's father, the previous King, was killed during the war.

Adelheid Suzuki: The voluptuous Knight of Ghiacciao. Though she is often stern and reprimanding, she loves Terra and loves protecting its people. Like Tsuna, there are many unsavory rumors about her birth and father. Apparently, before the war, her mother shared a brief romance with a high-ranking Angelo. It has not been confirmed. She is fond of both Tsuna and Enma. She also likes Julie but will never admit it.

Julie Katou: The sarcastic and perverted son of Deserto's Knight. Despite the malicious and unkind way he acts, he deeply cares about people he is close to, particularly Adelheid whom he lovingly calls 'Adel'. He is the next Knight of Deserto and is a tricky fighter to face. He has no grudge against Tsuna, but still seems to dislike him...