From Another World

33. Cool Upgrades

The crowd slowly dispersed as orders were thrown around and people moved, checking the wounded.

"Little miss," Talbot came up to me, "I apologize for mistaking you as someone else."

"It's okay," I smile, "Doppelgangers exist in this world after all."

"I can sense that you have no rings for your flames; why is that?"

"Ah... I never had a ring; I left the ones I used in the future. They were never mine to use. I was lucky to have my box animals come back in the shape of a bracelet though."

"So that's why I've been holding onto this for so long..." He muttered, rummaging through his cloak. He pulled out a small, velvet box, carefully opening it.

My jaw dropped. It was a gold signet ring with the Vongola crest carved onto it*.

I hesitantly hold a hand out. "Are... are you sure? This must belong to someone... why give it to me?"

"The one who wore this has been gone for many years; they entrusted me this ring before they died, telling me to give it to the one I deem worthy. It is a powerful and durable A-rank ring that I made long ago that has the ability to house two flames."

"Two flames?! B-but..."

"Take it." Talbot dropped the ring onto my hand.

My hand wrapped around the ring, surprised at the weight it held. "Thank you, I'll treasure it."

Talbot smiled and walked away. I slid the ring onto my right ring finger. It was a perfect fit. I lit it up and saw both my rain and cloud flames dance in unison. Dad came up behind me and whistled.

"Talbot-san gave you that?"

I nod. "It's such a waste to give this to me though..."

"If Talbot-san gave you something, I'm sure he gave it for a good reason."

Kyoya walked and grabbed my hand. I looked up at Dad and he nodded, giving us a small smile.

"I'll call you if we need you."

"Alright."

-

Kyoya and I rested in a room separate from the others. I patched up some of his wounds, humming a quiet tune.

Once I was done, I stood up and walked to the bathroom to wash my hands. I could hear Kyoya shuffling around the room, probably sulking around the room, probably sulking. I turned the knob, shutting the water off and wiped my hands with a towel before walking out. I saw Kyoya lying on the bed, looking up at the ceiling with his hands behind his head.

I knelt beside the bed, resting my chin on the mattress. He turned, looking at me. I stared at his face for a few seconds, admiring the view.

"Are you okay?" I ask. "You usually sulk when you lose a fight."

One of his hands came out from under his head and he held it out. I smile and grab it, bringing it up to my lips.

"Tired?" He asked.

"Just a little."

"Come here, then."

I couldn't help but smile. "What if something else happens? We'll need to be ready."

"We'll be ready."

I go silent for a few seconds.

"I'm scared."

Kyoya blinked but didn't say anything.

"I'm scared about a lot of things," I continue. "I'm scared of things are right now, I'm scared of the future, of letting my Dad and Tsuna down... I'm scared of this relationship."