So here it is, my new story, the sequel to 'Fated Strings and Charming Things'! Can you believe that I wrote a sequel? I want to thank everyone for the support and encouragement. I hope I don't disappoint!

Beta'd by mercyn~~

The knots that Tie and the Strings that Bind.

A month later.

"Speaking in another language and will be stated."
Flashback

"Speaking normally."

"Tsuna," warm and bright, the voice was awash with the lightest, warmest colour of rain possible. "Tsuna, if you sleep there you're going to catch a cold."

Laughter led his eyes open, and a wonderful, brilliant, enchanting scene greeted him. Even if it was an everyday scene to someone like himself.

Winding, knotting, perfect strings floated all around him. Some were red, but they were never in Tsuna's focus, no, the wonderfully tied strings that coloured the rainbow of his life were what brought the smile to his face. That and the fate attached to the blue string that was once to the point of no return, was once at the brink of dying.

"Mornin' Takeshi." Tsuna's yawn lit a smile on the baseball-player-turned-swordsman; he loved that smile of Tsuna's, because he knew it was reserved just for the men and women within the walls of their home.

As Tsuna stretched, realising he had slept on the roof of their house once again, he noticed with a smile that Takeshi had filled out. It wasn't that he had just noticed it, but that when he first woke up he could best appreciate it.

A month is not very long at all, especially to teenagers. Months are generally 30 days in their life, and are made of days that are only 24 hours long. To Tsuna that time was especially short, because his life was so full and vibrant that the days seem to flood away from him, he felt he had missed so much even if he knew he missed very little; especially since everything he did not want to miss was all around him every day. It had been a month since they were all gathered together, and Tsuna mused that it was not a long time at all.

Especially not relative to everything that had happened within the time frame.

Reborn had taken them all out of school – except Kyouya who was duty bound to take care of Namimori Chu and high, and Mukuro and his family who were not in school to begin with.

Now, most of them were happy, and Tsuna was only annoyed because Hayato, Takeshi and he had just completed their summer examination in the top ten percentile and were proud of that fact. Now they weren't in school and it annoyed him a little.

They were home-schooled instead, even Chikusa and Ken were schooled in their own way, but most of the time they were trained outside of the home by people who Reborn called 'associates' but Tsuna was sure he meant 'dear friends'. He was assured of this when each time these 'associates' were mentioned one of the seven strings tied in a cross across Reborn's chest would shake and brighten, obviously responding to the mention and thought of their owner. It wasn't so bad, but Tsuna could see that Mukuro worried about Ken and Chikusa.

It was this home schooling that brought about the greatest change in everyone, physically, mentally and emotionally. Not to mention in the strings.

As Tsuna followed Takeshi he watched the string, thicker in diameter and splayed in numerous directions shift. It was pretty, sparking with blue and orange, and Tsuna could only smile, stroke the end that attached to himself and watch as Takeshi's face swung around to look at him with warm brown eyes.

Since Reborn arrived Takeshi had shown the most emotional and physical change. His body was still tall and lithe, but his shoulder and neck were broader. His thighs and calved were toned to a healthy degree and his face had chiseled in that handsome way that signifies a boy's final switch into manhood. It was pleasing to see, because he was taking to Reborn's and his father's training naturally, he excelled and seemed to find some kind of peace in the rigorous exercise. He had abandoned baseball though, and guilt wrecked through Tsuna, because no matter the assurance from Takeshi and Reborn, that was all Tsuna's fault.

As for his emotional wellbeing, well Tsuna couldn't say he loved or hated the change. His masks were all but gone around Tsuna and his family. Takeshi smiled when he wanted to smile, he cried when he needed too, he laughed loudly until he hurt and he frowned readily with a contemplative fold of his face that aged and matured him. It was wonderful really, because Tsuna used to know a baseball star who laughed too forcibly and who cried too little. It was nice to know he was comfortable enough around Tsuna and the others, and was slowly getting over the betrayal of his closest friends. Tsuna still hadn't forgiven them, because they were the reason for Takeshi's coldness and unease.

One thing that Tsuna didn't like was Takeshi's cynical side. Tsuna wasn't a fool, he knew there would be drastic changes when the 'mafia business' started. Each of his guardians had to find a place in them to store and deal with the blood, gore and taboo they would be made to commit. It was the nature of the occupation. Takeshi's way of dealing with it was something Reborn both sighed at and took pride in.

"That is a Hitman's way of dealing with it." Reborn had assured Tsuna when he panicked over the newest mask of indifference on Takeshi's face after a long, one-on-one talk the swordsman had had with the Hitman.

"What is that even supposed to mean?" Tsuna was calm and that was his way of dealing with it all. It had come from unlocking his deep blood-rite that was hidden form him since he was two or three. Since his initial start that deep calm, somewhat cold persona- the one everyone in the house loathed and found deep, warm comfort in- cropped up during times of stress.

"A boss' way of dealing," was Reborn explanation to the guardians. "He finds comfort in comforting you."

"What I meant, Dame-Tsuna is that Takeshi is dealing with all this like a Hitman. Compartmentalising, he is making a separate part of himself to deal with the blood, the fear, the sadness, all so he can protect himself, and you. He hides his emotions to deal with them in a by stander's point of view. By making it someone else's hand, a cold part of him, he can find a way not to break." Reborn watched the terror and regret rise and bubble in his student's eyes, it made him hurt so much, because those eyes, golden and flickering as they were with the emotions, should not hold such a dying hue; they were the warmth that Reborn's sun could not provide. He needed that warmth back. "You need to accept this Tsuna. As his boss, and as his friend, he needs you to accept this as a part of him."

Of course Tsuna took Reborn's words to heart, but it scared him a little inside how drastic and sudden the change was. But accept it he did, and he would accept Takeshi coming back laughing with blood all over him if it meant Takeshi could smile warmly and be safe another day.

"Is something on my face Tsuna?" Takeshi's warm voice and that rush of cleansing, raining light washed Tsuna and made him smile a goofy, brilliant smile.
"Nothing Takeshi. Just thinking."

There was a small knock on Tsuna's head as the swinging door closed behind him and Takeshi. "Don't do too much of that, your head might explode."

"Yakyuu-Baka!" A loud, obtuse flash of boiling, violently comforting light splashed over Tsuna next and the red string tightened and looped in the air. "Don't touch Juudaime like that!"

Hayato had changed too. Tsuna knew he would, but to such a degree even Tsuna hadn't predicted.

First was the physical change, he too had filled out, but that was always going to be the case. Out of everyone he was probably the leanest, but was strong and full of a stamina Tsuna wished he had. It was the mentally physical growth that astonished Tsuna. It was rare that Tsuna saw Hayato not in the study when he was not with them or with Reborn. He took time and expended more than necessary immersing himself in books. Some were histories of Vongola; others were statistical books and physics books. Some were books Tsuna couldn't even read. Sometimes Tsuna found Hayato asleep at the table with a face in a book and a pen still in his left hand. He was trying to perfect his G-writing, and so far was doing well. Soon he would teach it to the others, so that they would never be threatened by leaked information ever again.

Over the month Tsuna had spent long evening hours in the attic with the bomber, and through him he started learning Italian. The other guardians were also learning it, through private lessons with Reborn and with Hayato. Soon enough they would all know Italian fluently enough to fool a native, then would begin work on other languages such as French, Spanish, English and Russian. Some would be taught Chinese, but Tsuna found he would learn even more than that.

"Hayato. How are you this morning?"

Hayato's strings glowed and shook when Tsuna's Italian rolled effortlessly off of his tongue. The string was thicker now, and had a rather large knot on Tsuna's end, but wrapping it securely was Tsuna's string, and Tsuna felt warm when he saw the orange and silver-red shimmer in unison. Hayato's string also splayed into the air and connected to many of the occupants of the house, as well as some who did not live with them.

The string shook again when Hayato's emerald eyes found Tsuna's. It was pride, warmth, glory, and love. Tsuna found that Hayato always felt at home when the others were speaking in Italian. Of course, he often fell into the mother tongue when Mukuro and chrome were around, seeing as the twins were originally from Italy. But now that everyone knew Italian, well Tsuna found that Hayato was much more likely to fall into Italian than before.

"It's okay Hayato. He was only joking with me." Tsuna assured, and when Hayato's eyes lit with mirth, Tsuna knew that the bomber was only messing with both of them.

"It doesn't matter Juudaime. This Yakyu-baka needs to learn his place!"

Then there was Hayato's psychological change. Since Tsuna's acceptance, Hayato had been calling Tsuna 'Juudaime' more and more. Tsuna knew it meant 'tenth' and thought it a fairly cute nickname.

At first he was a little adverse to it, seeing as he had never had any kind of respect shown to him, but he was once again assured and taught by Reborn the importance of this step up.

"Hayato it's really okay, I'd prefer you call me Tsuna." It was early on and Hayato was simply arguing again that 'Juudaime is Juudaime' and that it was 'disrespectful and unthinkable to call Juudaime by his given name' and that was that.

Once again Tsuna flumped into an empty chair in his office and started on his paperwork. Dark and warm, a dangerous aura that smelt of gunpowder and spices drifted past him. The colourless string tightened comfortingly and Tsuna didn't even look up to welcome his guest.

"Hey Reborn." It was comforting, more than Tsuna would ever admit, to have Reborn in the room with him.

"Tsuna. Something's wrong." He stated, it wasn't unusual for Reborn to read Tsuna better than anyone, and thought at first it surprised Tsuna, given that Reborn was probably the least likely one to know anything about him, he decided one day that that was just Reborn and that he took comfort in knowing Reborn knew everything.

"Nothing's wrong Reborn, I was just... concerned about Hayato suddenly calling me 'Juudaime'," Tsuna folded. He was not one to hide things from anyone, least of all the Hitman who knew it all.

"Dame-Tsuna, I thought I told you that you needed to accept it." The couch in front of Tsuna was taken and Tsuna looked into the deep eyes and found an answer.

"But I do not deserve such respect. It just seems too formal between friends."
"Decimo."

Tsuna shivered. He knew that reborn had seen it too, because a frown had found its way onto his face. Tsuna hated that title; he didn't want to be called something so cold and emotionless. An empty title synonymous with death, killing, and blood.

"Everyone calls you Tsuna. All your guardians. Your close friends, your siblings; Hayato does not want that. Soon enough you will be called 'Boss' by ever subordinate under your care and those who are not; Hayato doesn't want that. One day, people will forget your name and you will simply be labeled as Vongola Decimo, Hayato doesn't want that either. No one will ever call you Juudaime, Dame-Tsuna. Only Hayato will ever call you Juudaime." Reborn stood and replaced the fedora that he had habited with taking off when he was alone with Tsuna. "Take pride in that, because it means you're extremely important to him."

"No one will ever call me 'Dame-Tsuna', does that mean that I'm extremely important to you too, Reborn?"

The Hitman just walk out, but Tsuna did not see the warm smile upon his face. He never would either, because Reborn was a Hitman and a Hitman never made connections.

Another point of notice was how Hayato had smoothed out around the others. He was still brash and explosive, but it was in a comfortable way that told everyone that he was alright, that everything was normal and that he was okay.

Tsuna was glad however that Hayato did not find it necessary to change his persona so much as to make himself a different identity. He grew up in the mafia, under the guise that he would take over his father's business, so blood, gore, taboo it was all child's play. The only difference was a harsher than normal front in the face of strangers. But it was still really Hayato in the end, because from the start he did not trust outsiders.

"A subordinate's way of dealing with it all." Was Reborn's only source of explanation to Tsuna's inexistent questions.

Tsuna sat down to a coffee and some wonderful French pasties- courtesy of Hayato of course- he was contented alone, but overjoyed when Hayato and Takeshi joined him for a quiet breakfast.

"Idiota. Don't sit so close to Juudaime!" Hayato fell into Italian quickly and soon enough Takeshi was laughing with exuberant joy.

"Aw Hayato, you know I'm only joking." Takeshi was actually the best one at speaking Italian out of all the non-native speakers. He was only marginally better than Kyouya, but was still the best. "By the way, these are really good Haya."

Hayato exploded red and was trying to think of a suitable reply when bright, burning, warming extremely hot radiance bathed the kitchen and caused the bright yellow wrapping Tsuna's chest to shine and wave and pulse with energy.

"I smell an EXTREME breakfast! Did Tako-head cook TO THE EXTREME?!" the burning boy, Ryohei, burst into the kitchen from his evening run with exuberance to spare. He was by far the worst at speaking Italian and constantly butchered the language with a slathering of Japanese words punctuating the Italian. It never failed to amuse Tsuna and irritate Hayato.

"Lawn-head! Get it right and choose a fucking language. Stop mixing them!" Hayato stood suddenly but it was with faked annoyance that he shouted. Everyone one knew that Hayato loved everyone's enthusiasm of using Italian, and picking up a conversation in said language when someone heard it when they were gathered together.

Ryohei had changed exuberantly. His persona was not so wonderful; he made himself a hardened shell and a scowl that would wilt roses. It was harsh, mean and cold. Whenever Tsuna caught sight of the hardened shoulders tense with weight and the face scowled with disgust he felt his heart crumble a little, whenever Tsuna saw Ryohei fake confidence and laugh outwardly when he saw Lambo or Fuuta or I-pin on the verge of tears Tsuna died a little inside, because the face didn't suit Ryohei.

"A brother's way of dealing with it."

Soon enough they all sat down to a wonderful breakfast full of laughter and conversation. The others in the house were either in their 'home-school' classes with Reborn, or like Kyouya had other duties and errands to run that morning. That didn't mean that Tsuna didn't get to see everyone though of course, because some days Hayato and Takeshi were busy, and most afternoons Ryohei was training with Reborn or in the local boxing gym.

Reborn entered all tall strength and dangerous poise. But his aura swept the entire room and flooded each boy with a sense of impenetrable protection. Reborn was their shield and the father they all needed. He trained them, nurtured them, he bound their wounds when they had injured themselves, and sat a listened when they scared themselves.

"Time for training, Dame-Tsuna."

Tsuna stepped out into the back yard of their house, it was far away from any neighbours, so they never had to worry about a spy, but Reborn had fortified the fences anyway and had one of his 'associates' the one that lit the indigo string, make a shield of the highest grade illusion to guard them from any kind of attack.

Reborn had changed the most in Tsuna's opinion. Especially his mental growth. He did not change physically, given he was a grown man, trained on his own, and never actually trained physically with Tsuna and the others that was expected. No, Tsuna was happy to see the change in his eyes, his body language, and the warmth Tsuna felt in his movements and words.

The others didn't see it, because Reborn was outwardly the most aggressive man they had encountered, but Tsuna saw it. Reborn was very much a different man around Tsuna, he was submissive, open, warm and kind; he felt he could be, and felt that Tsuna would- could- protect him and allow him to be the man he was born and not the Hitman he was made into. When Reborn spoke, he spoke with an aggressive tone, but with an undertone so warm and protective that Tsuna felt he was cradled in hands that held a bird. It was strange, because he knew the Hitman was not supposed to show emotion- and he didn't outwardly- but his inner feelings were so tied to Tsuna and his guardians that Tsuna prayed he was strong enough to protect Reborn should someone other than himself find out Reborn's weakness.

The change in the strings was another thing. Reborn's string was now so integral to the others that Tsuna was sure if it disappeared they'd all break irreparably. It was strange really, because it was ever changing and always warm. When Reborn was teaching a harsh lesson it cheered them on, when he was being cynical and mean, it was warm, and when he was relaxing it was comforting and embracive. It was everything Reborn couldn't be, because if he was they'd all die by the hands of another. Tsuna could see it, but he knew the others could somehow feel it because everyone was so comfortable around Reborn now that it was as if he was never an outsider to begin with.

Tsuna had always been able to see the strings with the utmost clarity. But when he had a good look at Reborn in the beginning his strings- the ones attached and fated to Reborn- were dull and shielded. Mukuro- in one of Tsuna's dreams- said it was a high grade illusion that was placed on Reborn unknowingly. Mukuro and Tsuna speculated for a while that that meant all illusionists could see strings, but then decided only the strongest of illusionists could see them, because Chrome could barely make out their lines and instead could feel them all around her.

Soon enough, through 'fate' or effort Tsuna could see them clearly, and it was amazing, because Tsuna was basically looking into a tinted mirror.

There were seven strings, each one a colour of the rainbow; red, orange, green, blue, indigo, violet, with one a tainted mix of blue and black- a scary, sad and lonely string- with Reborn's yellow string making a brace around each of them and the orange doing the same. It was amazing, because these were practically grown into Reborn's skin, and it made Tsuna highly aware of the heavy, long fate these people had with Reborn and each other. Each string felt tired, aged, and had a deep rooted sorrow that Tsuna was sure would never ever leave them. It made him want to embrace them and keep them for himself. To make them less sad and more warm. To embrace them. Each time Reborn spoke of 'associates' one string would light up. Soon enough Tsuna began to associate certain examples with certain colours and he longed for a time when he could learn their faces.

Red was somewhat calm, but it had a raging center, strong and swift. It lit whenever Reborn was talking about the person training I-pin

Orange was so bright and wonderful that Tsuna didn't need any information to know that the owner was for Reborn and these others what Tsuna was for his friends. This string lit when Reborn spoke to Tsuna of unfair fates and people who did not deserve what they had and deserved more. It also glowed when Fuuta was mentioned, when his training was updated, or when Tsuna asked who taught him.

Green flashed like lightning; quick, calculative and somewhat cold. This string glowed when Reborn spoke of the man teaching Lambo in 'mafia-school' – where he attended with Fuuta and I-pin.

Blue and the strangely blue-black tainted string were tied together in the same way that Mukuro and Chrome were linked, but the difference was greater, the blue was open and warm and the tainted string was cold and closed off. It was strange to share a fate with someone so intrinsically different. This string lit when Reborn was talking about those who trained Ken and Chikusa.

Indigo was the string of the illusionist and the one that reflected Mukuro the most. It glowed when Reborn spoke about the protective barrier and when he mumbled about money and ungrateful brats.

Violet was a small, young feeling string. It was babied by the orange and yellow, but Tsuna thought it was funny, because whenever this string glowed Reborn was talking about precious people you need to protect. About how even the weakest member of a family was to be taken care of and was precious.

"Dame-Tsuna, stop day dreaming, light your flames."

Tsuna smiled, didn't explain to Reborn what his daydream was about and instead focused on the warm, flickering feeling that was the steadiest and most vital thing in his entire existence. His Dying will flame.

As it lit, sparked by his drive to protect and keep everything close, Tsuna looked on with changed eyes that glowed like a melted mix of gold and sun set.

He found it strange and beautiful that whenever he lit his flames his orange string seemed to lift from his friends' strings- a few of the thickest strings staying in place- and wrap around his hands in-between his fingers and along his palms. There was where the fire would ignite, lighting the strings as if they were a wick in a candle. He never felt burned by the flames. He only ever felt warm and calm. With the fames came a calm that washed and engulfed him. He felt free of fear. Like he could do anything. It was the purest form of his intuition. What Reborn had called 'hyper intuition' Tsuna had a theory that it was the concentration of his strings that gave him this outlook. Whatever the case he thrived on the feeling of utter calm that bathed him. It made him strong. It made him realise that everything he had was everything he needed and he wanted and in turn his flames- fueled by resolve- burned brighter making his calm deeper, making his resolve brighter and the cycled continued to spiral until his flames were extinguished.

Reborn had pulled Tsuna out of the house one day- the first week of his arrival- and had dragged Tsuna's guardians out with them. He looked straight into Tsuna's eyes and pulled out his strange gun.

The gun was a transforming chameleon. When Reborn so asked it changed into anything he desired, and more commonly was the green gun that fit Reborn's hand perfectly. His partner's name was Leon, and he found it amusing and irritating that Leon was ever so fond of Tsuna. So find in-fact that Reborn got a shake every time he asked Leon to become a gun in Tsuna's presence, as if the lizard was afraid of Tsuna rejecting him and his master.

To Tsuna's immediate horror the gun was trained on the guardians who stood confused with their backs to the wall of their house with no escape route. Each was bound, and Mukuro and Chrome were bound so that they could not use their illusions to protect themselves or Tsuna.

"I am going to begin shooting. You have exactly ten seconds between each shot to stop me. I will give you a minute before I do some real damage." Reborn shielded his eyes for a second, but then looked up.

Tsuna did not see a challenge in Reborn's eyes, but soul-deep resignation instead. Tsuna realised that Reborn did not want to shoot, but that this was a test Tsuna had to pass. It was a taste of what was to come.

One shot when off when Tsuna was looking into Reborn's eyes. Hayato called out in shock as blood dripped down his cheek from the grace of the green bullet.

"REBORN!" Tsuna screamed. He struggled against his restraints, only to find they were made of no material Tsuna had ever seen.

"Light your flames Tsuna; they're the only thing that will burn those ropes away."

Another shot –Takeshi was hit

Another shot- Ryohei

Another shot- Mukuro

Another shot- Chrome

Tsuna struggled and Reborn could see- so could Hayato as he watched his friend cry- that Tsuna almost had it, he was so close that his eyes were dyed that impossibly deep, beautiful colour of orange that signalled his step into HDW mode. It was beautiful, because his eyes were full of resolve and tears.

Finally, with the utmost regret, Reborn turned his gun to Lambo. Tsuna watched, wide-eyes and horror filled, as the bullet grazed ever so lightly with Lambo's arm. The boy tears up, eyes full of betrayal and misunderstanding, he starts struggling and bawling and fighting his own restraints.

That was the final straw for Tsuna, because now his little brother was crying, - and his other siblings were close enough to the same conclusion- his friends were betrayed by someone they all trusted and Tsuna felt more burning drive to protect them than ever.

In an instant he was grabbing Reborn's gun with a hand encased in burning, pre flames of orange. It was beautiful and powerful. But his grip was loose, simply lowering the gun from those he loved.

Reborn saw betrayal and confusion in his student's eyes. But he knew it was necessary.

"You could have taught me some other way Reborn." Tsuna began; everyone was shocked at the deep, reassuring timbre in his once subtly deep voice. It was strange and calm and beautiful and strong. "You never need to make yourself out to be the villain for us, Reborn."

Reborn was surprised, his eyes wide and shaded by the brim of his fedora, because his student had surpassed everything Reborn thought he would. He looked up, into burning orange eyes and a face whose contours were lit by the raging, steady flame lit on Tsuna's forehead.

"Good job, Dame-Tsuna. Lesson one, passed."

As Tsuna fell away, tired, spent, and weak, he heard Reborn utter one last sentence. As he fell he was aware of warm, steady arms catching him and pulling him into a steadier chest.

"I'm proud of you, Dame-Tsuna."

"Good job, Dame-Tsuna, time for some paperwork."

Tsuna smirked a smirk of his own. Because it has taken days for any of the guardians to let Reborn near them or Tsuna again after that first lesson. There was pain evident in Reborn's eyes when he saw their worried, aggressive expressions. But fate had a strange way of working, because soon enough everything was normal again. Everyone was happy, and everything was balanced.

"Of course, Reborn. I'll come right away."

Ryohei was the one to get them from the office when Reborn and Tsuna were late for dinner. He hadn't made dinner- no one was stupid enough to let him anywhere near the oven- but he was often the messenger because he was the fastest.

"You two are late TO THE EXTREME!"

Reborn sighed, because he was always left tired and drained after dealing with the exuberant sun guardian. He wondered how it was that Tsuna found guardians that embodied Vongola's original ideal of each element. Then again, he wondered how he had found someone so embodying of the sky.

"Sorry, onii-san, we lost track of time,"

"Sawada! It's okay TO THE EXTREME! What was the work about today?"

Ryohei had a level head about him when it came to the mafia side of the life. In fact, only three people were finding it hard to cope. Reborn was often a little disturbed with the others' acceptance and adaptation; but he supposed that it was natural of his student. And in the end it would save a lot of pain, tears, and lives if they just buckled that little bit and accepted.

"We were discussing the arrival of the Varia and what it means for all of you." Reborn explained with that suave tone that made Ryohei think he was actually smart.

"I see. Once these guys arrive we'll have to fight right?" Ryohei was not all averse to fighting; after all it was his chosen sport. What he was adverse to was the possibility that he would have to kill for his right to be Tsuna's guardian. He didn't think that kind of victory suited Tsuna at all.

"Yes. We will each have to fight for your rings..." Tsuna trailed off at that, because he noticed the tightness of Ryohei's fist, on his finger was his ring and the strings throbbed painfully as they solidified the ring's spot on his hand.

As Reborn and Ryohei spoke Tsuna wondered about those four strings. Each ring had those same four strings, they varied slightly, but all reflected each other. Ones were theirs, that was obvious, Tsuna assumed the aged ones that had begun to fade were the current 'owners' the Nono (ninth) generation, but that still left the question as to what the other two strings meant. Tsuna couldn't fathom it. Because the violent set of strings seemed just about ready to snap- despite how impossible that fate was- Tsuna was sure they would break, and he worried for them. Because it didn't seem fair. Then there were the fourth set, aged, but glorified as if perfect, Tsuna did not really think he would ever figure out who they belonged to, but to the rings the owners of those strings were the whole reason they were created.

The three men arrived at the house and were seated at the dinner table quickly. Chrome served up dinner while Takeshi served drinks, and soon enough everyone was laughing pleasantly and speaking about their days. Kyouya and Mukuro remained quiet as usual, but Tsuna knew they would speak enough that evening, when he spared with them. Even if no words were actually exchanged.

Every week Tsuna tried to spend time with everyone.

The mornings were usually the time he spent with Takeshi and Ryohei training with simple workout routines. They ended up talking of course, and it comforted them all when they did.

The afternoons were his time with Chrome and Lambo and the children baking or playing or simply talking.

The evenings were usually reserved for Mukuro and Kyouya, they both still found family time a strange concept, and both were inexcusably violent. Tsuna found he learnt the most when they were sparring. Because it was a no-holds battle. It improved them all, and in a twisted way it strengthened their bonds and gave Kyouya and Mukuro a way to protect Tsuna; by making him stronger and realising his weaknesses and planning accordingly.

The late evenings were the time he spent with Reborn and Hayato doing serious training on flames or through mental training with language. Or simply talking.

Mukuro and Kyouya were the two people who had most naturally taken to the whole 'guardianship' and Tsuna was pleased and unsurprised. He was pleased more when he noticed the sudden changes in both men, and as he looked across the backyard, the changes in his only female guardian.

Kyouya attacked first. He had his tonfa lit with raging, elegant violet flames. They collided with Tsuna's orange quickly and together they fought until they were satisfied.

Kyouya had grown over the month; he was lithe with wide shoulders and a supple back. It was nice to see him training most days with Mukuro. The two of them had an unhealthy attraction to each other. It was most likely their violent, sadistic, rather scary demeanors that attracted them. Together they could balance each other out and tire out their bloodthirsty side enough to train with the others and not hurt them. Because no matter what they say they both cared for everyone. They wanted to protect them; especially Tsuna.

Kyouya was the best guardian of the lot at that moment in time. Though it was a close second with Mukuro. He had found a way to make this 'mafia' business work for him, and though he still frowned and felt intrinsically wrong defending something so wrong and dirty and bloody, when Tsuna sweated with tears in his eyes from the effort he was putting in. When Kyouya saw the work and heard the promise from the brunette's mouth; well it all seemed worth it. He decided to embrace and embody the persona of the cloud. And Kyouya was fine with that, because he didn't have to change himself at all and he got to have a good fight at the end of the day.

As Kyouya stepped away, Tsuna watched- panting with the effort of fighting such a strong, ruthless opponent- as the strings whipped around and caressed his body Tsuna marvelled, because Kyouya really was something else entirely. Kyouya may be the most violent guardian, but he was the most sentimental, and since Tsuna was the first to accept him he does anything in his power to make him strong and make sure he's safe.

Kyouya had found Tsuna down casted and on the verge of tears one night on the roof. The summer had yet to cool and Tsuna found that watching the stars helped to soothe him.

Kyouya had appeared out of the gloom and watched the brunette fight the tears for only a minute before he approached him.

"Herbivore, why are you crying?"

"K-Kyouya! I'm not!" Tsuna tried to defend himself. He tried to bring up his cold demeanor, but in the face of his guardian he found it impossible.

"Those are tears in your eyes, Tsuna."

He promptly sat on the floor, sitting close enough to Tsuna to feel the warmth flow off of the brunette. Yet he shivered, because the brunette's form was jumping- from the cold or fear Kyouya didn't know.

"You don't need to be afraid, Tsuna." Kyouya began, his voice was soothing, a little detached, but still warm enough to sooth Tsuna somewhere deep down. When the string lit and tightened with the words the effect was almost doubled.

"A-afraid?"
"Of changing. Or this mafia business." Kyouya elaborated. "You are not alone, and will never be alone." He paused, looked into warm, innocent, all-encompassing brown eyes, then he smirked and stood to leave. "Now stand up Omnivore. We need the sky as much as you need us."

"He has a protector's way of dealing with all this." Reborn had indulged the next day.

He was pleased to have watched the interaction between sky and cloud, because those were the two that had the most significant bond. To see Kyouya embodying it so literally was pleasing to see, to see Tsuna doing the same was even more warming. "Make sure you always give him a place to reside Tsuna, a cloud can't always float on aloof and alone."

"Kufufufufu. I thought the skylark would never let me have my turn." Mukuro walked up to Tsuna and lifted Tsuna's chin with his trident. There was a patch of scratches on Tsuna's left cheek that worried Mukuro. It was strange to see such innocence with marred skin due to training for battle.

It was so wrong to Mukuro that Tsuna was in the mafia.

So he attacked, but not with that physical explosion that Kyouya had just finished. No, Mukuro could see that Tsuna was drained so instead he worked Tsuna with his illusions. It was a routine they had come up with early on, within the dream plane that Mukuro shared with Chrome and Tsuna. He knew that in the mafia there would be those who would not hesitate to break Tsuna's mind with illusions, so instead he made it his duty to make Tsuna immune to them.

Mukuro had changed more physically than mentally. He (as well as Ken and Chikusa) has filled out nicely. They were no longer emaciated and sick. They had healed their physical ailments. Their immune systems were not fully functioning, Reborn assured Tsuna they never would be 100%, but at least their bones no longer stretched their skin, their hair no longer limped with a lack of luster and life, and their eyes had a spark of hope and life. It was wonderful. Their bodies had fattened and leaned out. Ken was muscle and stout, and Chikusa on just this side of lean. Mukuro had filled out much like Kyouya and Takeshi. He was muscled out, with a sheer chest and sculpted stomach and legs. His shoulders had broadened and his arms filled out. And like all the men of the group, his face had chiselled out elegantly. Tsuna was somewhat jealous that all the other boys were beginning to look like men while he was still clinging to just enough fat to leave his jaw just slightly rounded.

"I hope you're ready for this, Tsunayoshi."

His mental growth was visible to a few of the members of the home, namely Chrome, Chikusa and Ken. He was softer in the center and more rough and strong on the outside. He was still sarcastic, sadistic and truly vile and evil deep down. But he was comforting, and strong, and when everyone saw how true he was about protecting- 'possessing'- Tsuna, well no one could argue that he was as true a member of their family as Lambo and Tsuna's siblings were.

"You better protect this new Mukuro! You've changed him!" Ken had snarled at Tsuna one evening when they were the only ones in the house.

"Ken, Calm down."

It was a harsh reminder to Tsuna that he had catalysed many of the changes. He had brought together a rag-tag group of people and made them get along, he was more shocked that they did get along, but at least he knew he would never have to be without them ever again. Because by the end of the first week, with all nine people in the house, Tsuna felt they had been together their entire lives.

"I will take care of him, and I will take care of you too. So please, please stay safe?"
Tsuna had been left alone after that, and it wasn't until very late in the evening that the air beside him shivered and thick, bright, twisted strings shimmered to his left and Mukuro appeared with his trident being lent on lazily.

"I want to say thank you, Tsunayoshi." Mukuro's face was uncertain, unsure of how to continue and unaware of the impact the conversation would have on Tsuna's resolve.

"For what Mukuro? I've done nothing." Tsuna was shocked, because Mukuro was never so straightforward with his feelings.

"You've done more for me than I could have asked. You've saved not only Chrome and I but also my family. I want to ask a selfish thing of you; please don't stop doing what you're doing for the other, I don't care if you abandon me, but please don't abandon them."

Tsuna stood from his couch and walked towards Mukuro. He knew the boy wasn't like Takeshi, Hayato or Ryohei, a hug would not assure him. Instead, Tsuna wove the fingers of his left hand with Mukuro's right and looked from their hands to Mukuro's face.

"You don't need to ask that, Mukuro. You have done as much for me as I have for you. I won't abandon any of them, and I won't abandon you either. I'm selfish like that, Mukuro."

"Kufufufufufufu- How interesting you are, Tsunayoshi." Mukuro hummed as his hand squeezed Tsuna's. He watched his strings- the ones that were much, but not entire, shared with Chrome- as they twisted together with Tsuna's to hold their hands together. "Maybe I'll need to possess your body to find out how that innocent brain of yours ticks."
"If that is what makes you feel comfortable Mukuro, then this is your body and mind too."

With a smile, and a warm rush shared across their consciousness, Mukuro disappeared.

"He has a scarred person's way of dealing with it." Reborn had a deep frown on his face when he explained this. "He has seen and been involved in far too much already. He is trying to forget the evil done to him in that Estraneo base. He is trying to forget, he is trying to understand why he feels the need to protect you. He is doing his best; all you can do is help him, accept his overprotective actions and love him and guard him as your guardian."

"Mukuro, I'm sure Tsuna's strong enough to take care of himself."
To Tsuna, it was Chrome's change that was the most welcome. She had opened up in the space of the month or so. She was warm, comforting and brought that breath of fresh air to the house of boys that only a girl could. That and she were helping everyone take care of and comfort the children who were learning and seeing things way too early.

She had filled out incredibly well. Hayato's hearty, healthy, warm meals had meant that Chrome's body was no longer twig-like, instead, her hips, waist, chest, and legs had filled out healthily, she was still incredibly thin, probably fifty pounds too light for her age and height, but at least she was no longer starving away. However, Tsuna learned quickly that it wasn't just lack of good meals that left her thin and sick.

As Tsuna looked over her, his eyes softened and a deep sadness and rage bubbled. The look always caused to worry, entice and bring pain to Mukuro and Chrome, because Tsuna knew exactly what they had been through, and he shared with them a connection brought on by more than the strings tying them physically.

Chrome's strings were tight and thin. But they were beautiful. They were glittered with whites and light colours that wove tales of happiness and joy. Taint was evident in the strings, but the taint was from Mukuro's stings- the ones that saved and sustained her. Her strongest bonds however were with the children. Contrary to popular belief, Chrome was incredibly protective, and the children all brandished a string that tied around their wrists- signifying their fate was intertwined with Chrome through her own will and dedication to protect them. It was really a beautiful sight. Nearly as beautiful as the lace pattern between her and Mukuro.

Tsuna had been up in the library when Chrome had walking in. Unlike usual, Mukuro was not at her side, and her hands wrung her trident nervously. Her eyes were laced with tears and she shook with fear.

He stood quickly and embraced her gently, he pulled away and gripping her shoulders softly he looked into her eyes. "Is something wrong Chrome?"

"C-co- Could I p-please talk to you T-Tsuna?" of course her voice was breaking with indecision and sadness.

Tsuna nodded and walked her into his room quickly; he sat her on the couch and gave her a mug of warm tea. He took himself one too and waited for her to speak.

"You know about my time in Estraneo..." she began, when Tsuna nodded she continued. "Mukuro saved me, you gave us the power, promising warmth and a home and safety, and he saved me from more experiments, he save me just before they were going to kill me."

Tsuna knew the story well. Mukuro and Chrome were the prized subjects of the Estraneo famiglia's experimentation, Ken and Chikusa were the only survivors of a long standing experimentation.

Chrome was being experimented with different organs, with medication to try and improve her illusion abilities; she had been displaying them since she was born and that disturbed her family. Since she was six she had been in that hospital and when she was seven she met Mukuro.

Mukuro had been going through experimentation for the six paths of hell. He was the only survivor of a few thousand. When they met (Chrome and Mukuro) there was an instant connection, and from then they bonded, share their pain, their power and their dreams. Mukuro made the world and Chrome protected it. She was a shielding illusionist, whereas Mukuro was a manifestation illusionist. Together they were powerful; and their tests increased.

When they were met with Tsuna's consciousness, it was two years later, all they would tell Tsuna was that it was like freedom, and that was all they had to say about it. They simply found their way to Tsuna.

Chrome was quiet for a time, and then her hand pressed her stomach, the place where most of her strings, and Mukuro's resided. "I'm sick Tsuna. I'm sick and they can't save me."

Tsuna didn't know what to say, he was shocked and confused. "Tsuna, the Estraneo killed my organs... Mukuro is sustaining what is left, making illusionary organs where my real ones have failed... but Tsuna I'm so scared... I don't want to die. I don't want to be weak... Tsuna I'm so scared. Tsuna looked on as Chrome wept. And immediately he knew what he had to do. What the first order of business would be. He had to save Chrome's organs, and he had to save Kyoko, because they were both the young sister of the famiglia. The guardians were one thing, but the famiglia, as Reborn had told Tsuna, was nearly more important.

Rubbing her back he sensed there was something else, something important. The way she cradled her stomach, protecting herself, it was worrying, and Tsuna's intuition screamed at him. His eyes widened suddenly.

"Chrome..." his voice was worried, pained, and understanding. His mother had lost the same thing after his own birth. Tsuna had seen his mother take up the same position early on into his childhood after every lonesome visit from his father.

"I'm never going to have children Tsuna, t-t-they said it would be nearly impossible. The scarring. The Estraneo destroyed my ability to have children." Chrome's voice bawled out her sadness, because what was a woman's secret, secret wish from childhood, but to have children of her own. Tsuna cursed the Estraneo, because this was something almost as cruel as the experimentations.

"You will survive Chrome, we will make you better. One day, I want to bounce Chrome's children on my knee and protect them within this family of ours. We will find you what you need Chrome, I promise that."

Chrome continued to cry as Tsuna's rage bubbled, because it wasn't fair that such an innocent, kind, loving girl had to go through it all, had to have so much taken from her. It wasn't fair that Chrome and Mukuro and Ken and Chikusa had to go through any of it.

When Tsuna spoke of 'we' it scared Chrome, because she had been judged all her life, by her parents, by the scientists, she did not want to be judged as useless by her family and the other members of the Vongola. She would never know why she trusted Tsuna not to judge her, but she wanted only him and Mukuro to know of her problems. Only wanted her most trusted to know of her secrets.

"I don't want any of the other to know, Tsuna, not unless it will save them somehow. Please don't tell them; please!" her tears were brutal and her desperation evident. Tsuna simply embraced her, as she cried and cried, hoping to be soothing her.

"Of course I won't tell them Chrome. Not if you don't want me to. You're safe with me."

Mukuro came later to take Chrome to her room. He carried her gently, as if she were glass; Tsuna supposed maybe she was.

"Thank you, Tsuna, again."

"I don't need to be thanked for something like this. I only want you all to be happy and feel safe." Tsuna wasn't sure he heard the words, but they were true none-the-less.

"She has an innocent's way of dealing with this, it's regretful really. That her life has been so drowned, she can only depend on you and Mukuro for help. I hope you don't disappoint her." Reborn's voice was truly regretful, because he knew of another young to life that was dealt a fate of short, brilliant brightness.

"But she has all of us to lean on, Reborn." Tsuna didn't understand. Chrome was loved by everyone, she was kind, sweet, and was the little sister to them all. She was to be protected.

"That is true, but she needs something more than a 'brother' Tsuna. She needs strength, and she needs a kindness that Mukuro is unable to give her. She has given over her trust, and the duty to protect her, and those that she loves to you. It is a heavy responsibility." Grim realisation lined Reborn's voice for Tsuna. But he did not need to be worried.

"You've already taught me Reborn, I am the sky, I need to accept everything and all of my guardians, because they hold me up and I give them a home."

By nine o'clock the next morning, the children had arrived, dragged Tsuna from the dining room, and demanded they get to spend an entire day with him to make up for all the time he had spent with his 'guardians' lately.

When they arrive at the park they sat themselves on a bench, set the food basket on the table and the two youngest promptly wanted lunch. Tsuna said no, and they huffed and went to play instead. Tsuna knew that they would be getting him any minute so instead he decided to spend time with his oldest little brother who was coming up close to thirteen. It scares Tsuna really, how quickly his siblings were getting older, but at least he was now going to be close enough to watch it happen.

"Fuuta, how are you doing?" Tsuna dropped into Italian because Fuuta loved the language, he was always gushing about how well he was doing learning it, and Tsuna figured he might as well help him on his way.

Said boy looked up with a huge smile form his large tome. He rarely left without it, and often would be seen furiously writing in it. Tsuna thought he actually suited it. "I'm doing really well Tsuna-nii! I can finally look up statistics without anything breaking! Do you want to see?!" his voice was so excited that Tsuna couldn't help but smile.

Something interesting happened when Tsuna mulled over the situation though. The red string that tied from Tsuna's waist to Fuuta's started whipping around, the threads ballooned out, -similar in look to Takeshi's though not as serious- and Tsuna found himself amazed by their sheer brilliance. Fuuta was always a little brighter than the others, and within his thread of red were yellow and green. Tsuna didn't know what it meant, but when he saw them ballooned out- waiting for his decision he would realise later- he could see such intricate threads that he wished he could express it fully.

"I would love to, Fuuta. Is there anyone around?"

When both were sure that there were no spies, though Tsuna was sure that Mukuro would not leave him and the children too vulnerable, he watched as Fuuta's eyes clouded over and gravity took a side seat.

"I hear you loud and clear Ranking star. Awaiting communication." His voice was detached and it was somewhat unnerving; especially to Tsuna who was currently floating with the picnic and the bench.

Suddenly, everything dropped back to earth and Tsuna found himself looking into bright, wonderfully happy brown eyes.

"Guess what, Tsuna-nii!" he laughed. "You are ranked 1 out of 1,000,000,000,000,000,002 (Big number, I don't even know XD) as most capable of protecting family." Fuuta gushed over the figure for a minute, but Tsuna was shocked.

The school was doing amazing things for Fuuta, though at first Tsuna did not like it. Fuuta always spoke of a beautiful lady who was expecting, and this lady taught him about family and the importance of being strong but kind. Through her, Fuuta unlocked his blood potential of being able to call up any ranking in the world by telepathically conversing with the 'ranking star', though sometimes those rankings were wrong. Especially when it was raining.

"That's very good Fuuta. I'm so proud!"

The child lit up, and a new thread of thick orange wove through the red string that tied Fuuta and Tsuna together. Tsuna assumed that the decision to accept this new part of Fuuta was the right one. Such a bright smile could not mean a wrong decision.

It was amazing, scary, wonderful and nerve-wracking. That kind of power was dangerous. As Fuuta leant over his tome Tsuna realised with fear just how dangerous it was. All that scribbling and all the notes; it was Fuuta recording his rankings in that big book; it would make Fuuta a target in the future. Tsuna felt his flames bubble under him, because he was resolved to die for Fuuta if it meant he would live normally for as long as possible.

"Is everything Ok, Tsuna-nii?"

"Of course, I'm going to go play with I-pin and Lambo now, is that okay?"

"Sure is Tsuna-nii, I'll join you in a minute."

Lambo and I-pin were trying to push themselves on the swings. They weren't really going anywhere, so Tsuna laughed to himself and gave them each a starting push.

"Tsuna-NII!" they both yelled. "We were going to do that ourselves!"

"Does that mean you want me to go away?" Tsuna asked with a mock-hurt tone in his voice.

"NO!" they were both quickly laughing as they realised their 'Tsuna-nii' has tricked them.

Laughing and following the children around as he played, Tsuna's eyes fell on I-pin's form. It was painful for him to watch her, because for all intents and purposes she was his little sister, the one he wanted to protect, to scare boyfriends away from, to be the one her fiancé asks for permission to marry; the one she came to for comfort, support and love.

Looking at her it was hard to believe she was a little girl. The training had left her lean, and her diet left her growing rapidly – all the children were- with long legs and stern muscle. Yet there was a softness to her stride, her form, her entire way of moving. It was a glimpse into her future. Tsuna hoped he could see it, because he could imagine her dancing in a white dress on her wedding day; he hoped it wouldn't be a fault of his selfishness that meant she never got that day.

Her confidence had grown though, her lessons, and having that kind of one-to-one tutoring was obviously doing amazing things for her, because she smiled more openly, she waved and played and dressed how she wanted to. She still doted on Tsuna, and took care of Fuuta and Lambo, but there was a confidence, and a lack of need about it, more of a complete trust now than a total dependence. Tsuna sorely missed it, but knew it was necessary too.

He soon found tawny eyes looking at him as I-pin sensed his gaze; something she was getting better and better at.

"I love you Tsuna-nii."

One thing Tsuna loved the most about the entire thing, about everything that had happened, was that every time the children said those little words, with a coating of love and warmth and trust, the strings tying them together exploded in light and warmed them up. The view was amazing, because they danced with the words; they coiled and jumped, as if they were giggling along. All the children had become much more open about saying those words, loud, proud and full of affection.

Talking of strings, the string that lit the most was the green string that, over the month, had morphed into something amazing.

Lambo had always had two strings tying him to Tsuna, and only lately had Tsuna finally theorised about why there were two. The first one was that string that had been there when he arrived with I-pin, the red string. Tsuna figured out that it was the 'familial' string, the red was the average fate that Tsuna and Lambo had as brothers, and how Tsuna protected, raised and brought Lambo up with love and brotherly attention. The green string on the other hand was a much heavier string; it was the fate of the Mafia, the bond that Tsuna and Lambo had that dragged them both into the mafia. Therefore, given that the green string also represented the fact that Lambo was Tsuna's guardian meant that it was also an important part of Lambo's life.

But now, they weren't so different. When Tsuna first saw the red dimming he worried that Lambo was sick, or that the fate was going to dim like the children's' blood parents strings had; luckily enough Tsuna had nothing to worry about. The green string and red string of Lambo's had merged together in the most beautiful braid Tsuna has ever seen. The mermaid plait was beautiful and woven within the red and Green Tsuna's orange glimmered and wove and protected it. The dimming Tsuna saw, that was the red preparing for the merge, the heavy, tense merge that meant its very core was changing and being upgraded. Tsuna's fears were unfounded; he had never been so relieved.

Though, like I-pin, Lambo had begun to change. He was leaned out; his hair thinned and cut neat- still puffy and rather untamed, but none the less manageable. He was muscling out, and his shoulders were starting to grow. The typical change from a toddler to a child with the added boost of electric stimulation and whatever god-forsaken things they were giving the children.

Tsuna's fist balled painfully, the strings around his ring giving a kick and a squeeze when blood started dripping, because he hated the idea that Lambo would be killed in this mafia business before he met a girl, before he had his first kiss or proposed. It killed Tsuna to think that he and Lambo would be alone before they died, or would never find someone because Tsuna was the big mafia boss and no girl wanted in on that kind of life.

It was painful to think that he would prevent them that life, but even more painful to think that he wouldn't be there to help them to shave or to pick out suits or go to high school.

His selfishness and protectiveness was so contradicting sometimes he felt like his head was going to explode.

Suddenly, a tight pressure pressed unto Tsuna's stomach, the strings and Lambo tightening as they hugged Tsuna tightly. "I love you no matter what, Tsuna-nii. Not anyone is going to stop that. So please don't blame yourself, or Lambo-sama, okay, Tsuna-nii?"

Tsuna was shocked, but he knew that Lambo was maturing, and doing it quickly. He would just have to work to keep up with all the children and his fast maturing guardians.

"Of course Lambo. I wouldn't dream of it." He stooped down a pressed a kiss to the boy's forehead. "I love you too Lambo."

"I know, Tsuna-nii."

With that Tsuna was left to watch on as Fuuta, Lambo and I-pin played in their own little world; one that Tsuna couldn't enter no matter how much he wanted to and they loved him. They were dealing with their own demons, and Tsuna had put them there.

Tsuna learned soon after that exactly what it was the kids were learning in their school.

Lambo was under the care of Reborn's friend, and he would come back sporting bruises, singes and burns. He never complained. He cuddled Tsuna in the evenings- staying around his home more and more- with Fuuta and I-pin, and was quiet until he left. He never told Tsuna about what he was learning, and Tsuna didn't pry.

Not until he, Fuuta, and I-pin came home with tear laced eyes and blood on their clothes.

"Nothing's wrong with Lambo." The cow-child explained adamantly. He was tense, tears spilling over his lids with no kind of willingness

"I'm fine, Tsuna-nii." Fuuta was cradling his arm. He too was on the verge of tears, but he was faring much better.

"I'm okay, Tsuna-nii." I-pin took a step and cried out. Tsuna was on her in a minute and had her in his arms and it was all too much.

All three children cried their eyes out; telling Tsuna with no kind of exaggeration how scared and hurt and tired they were.

"But we can't stop, Tsuna-nii! We can't not learn!" they begged him, and Tsuna had no idea what to do.

All the children were crying, bawling and shaking; tired, injured and wounded mentally and physically; but they were all so adamant about not quitting. About continuing the training. Not giving up.

Lambo was being electrocuted. He was being trained to accept and dispel electricity from mains and lightning and any kind of outlet imaginable. He called it the 'Voltage room' and said it wasn't actually the electricity that hurt, it felt good, warm 'like being in your hug, Tsuna-nii' no for Lambo it was the combat training he did after the shock therapy that really hurt him.

Fuuta was being hypnotised most of the time, he was being quizzed and pushed to his mental limits. His inner ESP was being forced from the depths of his brain and he was made to exercise it. It was taxing, and the man who trained him was relentless 'he has such sad eyes, Tsuna-nii, as if he's seen things and lost things.' Was Fuuta's assessment. Then there was his training too, hand-to-hand and weapons combat.

I-pin was having straight-out martial arts, and she was taking to it well; but the special skills were harsh and relentless. She trained more than adults did, trying to sculpt her young body into something strong and beautiful. Her diet was changed, her style, even the way she stood. 'But my master is so kind and patient, he isn't being mean or harsh' I-pin's assessment was both tiring and agonizing for Tsuna to hear; she was hurting at the end of the day.

When the children weren't in their private lessons they were together doing weapons training, and outside of that were learning the histories of the mafia, and the Vongola.

They were learning the bloodiest of truths and the harshest of secrets. They were made to take and understand Omerta, and were made to understand their role and their danger.

"They told us you wouldn't be able to protect us one day!" Fuuta bawled with angry red eyes and shaking, scared frame.

"They said if we didn't get strong you'd leave us!" I-pin elaborated.

"They said if we didn't train enough, we'd end up killing you!" Lambo finished.

Tsuna was aghast, he hated it all, he raged to Reborn, tears of regret in his eyes and voice when he learned about the lessons each child was learning.

"How could you let them do this to them Reborn?! How could you watch them do that to them?!"

Reborn was silent for a moment before he answered with a harsh tone and a controlled voice. "You are the one who did this to them Tsuna. You are training them. At any time you could pull them out."
"But I can't do that!" Tsuna demanded, with tears and true agony coating his entire body, it saturated the air, hanging like the stagnant smell of oil.

"And why is that?" Reborn asked, curiosity bloomed along his string, not a thing appeared in his eyes or voice though. Tsuna was half tempted to say that Reborn wasn't expecting an improved student.

"Because I need them to be able to protect themselves!" Tsuna screamed, he was running out of breath and energy. "I need them with me! I don't want to lose any of them; I'm not strong enough to protect them by myself."
it was a long while before Reborn responded to that, because he had honestly not expected it from his student, he expected scared, screaming responses; not something that sent shivers of anticipation and awe through him like a shot. His student; well, he was making amazing progress.

"They all have a child's outlook on all of this Tsuna. You need to help them or else they will become too used to the blood and the violence. You need to be their teacher."

When the children got bored Tsuna herded them back home, he knew they were bored but hopefully some of the others would be willing to give them some time. He knew they would; all the residence loved the children really; even and especially Mukuro and Kyouya.

"Tsuna-nii! We're going out to play!" Fuuta called into the house. It was just before dinner, and Tsuna was happy to hear the children were contented with their day with him.

"Okay, be good, usual rules apply okay- if you go home call me!" Tsuna called back with a laugh.

"Of course, Tsuna-nii! We love you." Were the triplet calls back.

It had been a few hours since the children had gone to play, and to Tsuna's increasing worry the sky had begun to darken to the point that the children should be with him, or should have at least phoned to tell Tsuna they were at their own home.

His intuition was flaring and raging. It told him to stand, to run, and to find them. To protect them. He rubbed his temples vigorously. Trying with little success to dull the fire of knowledge and foretelling power enough for him to make sense of it.

"Dame-Tsuna," Reborn's voice was somewhat apprehensive. Or as apprehensive as it could get. Tsuna could read the worry and panic, even if the others would call him crazy. Then again, they would also call him insane if he told them it wasn't just his intuition, but also the strings that told him the tales in Reborn's tones.

True horror lit Takeshi's face as he ran into Tsuna's room and- carrying his sword- his posture almost begged Tsuna to be calm so that he himself could think clearly.

"Tsuna! The kids are in trouble!"

SO TA-DA after a long wait for internet and ideas. This is the opening for the new instalment of 'Knots that tie and Strings that Bind.' The second in the series of Fated Strings. Please let me know what you thought!

Now, this arc will follow the time around the ring conflict. I will not follow canon. Unlike ENOIS I am putting my own twist on what happened, after all, in this universe, everyone is two (almost three) years older and had a much more cynical and serious demeanor, as such so will the way things play out!

IMPORTANT! This could take a few directions... so please vote on my poll or comment as to a direction you want this story to go. I much appreciate it. Thanks.

Thank you everyone! Please review!

~~Bleach-ed-Na-tsu :3