Sunset Hue (KHR Fanfiction)

The Vault

Out of everyone in the group, only Ryohei seemed enthusiastic to explore the abandoned monastery. The boxer was positively brimming with energy.

Tsuna was envious. He wished he could exude that much optimism but all he felt was dread. He gazed back at the ruin apprehensively. It didn't feel real to him until now. They were finally here, the start of the nightmare. Once again, he had the urge to just tell everyone to stop, turn around and run all the way to Sicily on foot if they have to. As if it wasn't bad enough that it looked straight from a horror movie, there was a fifty-fifty chance of them making it out alive, that is if the monster lurking in it doesn't kill them first.

Just as fast as the urge came it was roughly shoved aside. It was different now. He was different. His friends needed him. Mia needed him. He can't afford to be a coward now.

He felt Mia fumble around, searching for his hand, unable to tear her eyes away. He caught it and intertwined their hands together, squeezing hers reassuringly. Her skin was still hot. He had hoped that by coming here her symptoms would alleviate a little bit and they could rest for while and start exploring in the morning but that wasn't going to happen now. She was running out of time. He didn't know much about fevers - he really needs to learn basic first aid - but he was sure having a temp that high for this long was not good. He wasn't sure how she was able to stand for so long. He had been sick before, his highest was fourty-one and he could barely move then when his temp was on the thirty-nine.

He felt her squeeze his hand back. "Don't stray from me?" She glanced at him sideways.

"I won't," he promised.

"This is it Miss Vongola, Tsunayoshi-kun." Mukuro came to stand beside them. "This is as far as I can go. I'm already starting to feel its weight bearing down on this place. Anymore and I'll lose connection to this body."

Mia finally tore her eyes away as she slowly looked up at her father. There must have been something in her expression as it elicited a reaction from the man. Nicolas' brow's furrowed together, as if he was slowly coming to understand something. "We're off. Watch over him please." She whispered.

Nicolas blinked, eyes shining until Mukuro wrestled for control. He looked stricken and swallowed. "Go," he said hoarsely and briskly turned away. Hibari took his place.

"I'll keep watch," he promised quietly. Mia didn't seem to hear him. He shared a look with his Cloud Guardian. Tsuna didn't often talk with Hibari or see eye to eye but in that moment the boys had an understanding.

"Thank you," Tsuna told him. Hibari paused, then lifted his arm. In his grasp, hanging by the scruff of his shirt was a terrified Lambo. Tsuna wondered where he went — Hibari must have caught him earlier or took him from Hayato. His youngest guardian looked at him with pitiful pleading eyes. He looked ready to burst into tears.

"Tsuna-nii... Mia-nee..." Lambo hiccuped. "Let me come too!"

At that, Mia finally managed to compose herself. "Not this time piccino." She kissed his cheek. "We'll come back soon. Look after Pa for me please?"

Lambo was still sniffling. "B-But I'm supposed to be a guardian too."

"You are Lambo," Tsuna said kindly. He ruffled the boy's hair. "Keeping Nicolas safe is important to us. Can you do that?"

"O-Okay," Lambo finally gave in, slumping his shoulders. "But do I have to be stuck with the scary guys?" He muttered. He squeaked as Hibari narrowed his eyes at him.

"Herbivores should keep quiet." There was a warning in his tone. Lambo shot them another pleading look and Tsuna knew they would be just fine. Hibari turned around and hauled the boy away, following the direction Nicolas/Mukuro went.