#khr lore

[einsatzzz]

H.K. & H.K. 🥹💖✨ khr x sanrio collab will always live rent-free inside my brain

[twilitseas]

“ This Family is cursed. Stars cursed to slowly fade and blink out of existence, forever using their light to save someone else. “

“ That curse… that curse ends with this Starry Sky. “

[stormsthatrage]

Have an angsty KHR AU (Playing fast and loose with flame lore and characterization. Also, I haven't figured out what the 10th Gen Guardians are doing during all this, but whatever it is, it involves So Many miscommunications.)

The AU:

Tsuna doesn't want to be a mafia boss. He hates the violence, he hates the danger, he hates knowing that if he messes up, it can get people killed.

But no one really listens to him. Not even Reborn, who just sees Tsuna's whole "I don't want to be a mafia boss" thing as a sort of juvenile rebellion phase.

(But it's not. Every time one of Tsuna's people comes home hurt, every time Tsuna has to inflict harm on the battlefield, every time Tsuna is exposed to the casual cruelty of the underworld, it damages something inside of him. It scars his soul. He hates it. He does not want to be a mafia boss.)

And then Timoteo's health declines. (These next two paragraphs were heavily inspired by Break These Chains on Me by Luki on AO3.) Tsuna, knowing his time is running out and absolutely desperate, tries to make plans to get tf out. Maybe he signs up for civilian university. Maybe he makes plans to travel. Maybe he tries to create a fake identity to just run. And Tsuna, who has learned to rely on and trust Reborn -- after everything, how could he not -- confides in him about these plans.

And Reborn -- who has never really understood why Tsuna hates the mafia -- thinks this is one last (highly irritating) attempt at a teenage rebellion. It's not entirely unexpected, what with the weight of being Don Vongola looming over Tsuna's shoulders. And so, in a true Disappointed Reborn fashion, he responds with a harsh but effective lesson. He plays along with Tsuna's escape plans for a bit, and then. And then. It's the day Tsuna plans to vanish, and Reborn sits Tsuna down at the table, with Xanxus and Timoteo, and tells Tsuna if he doesn't fall in line Bad Things are gonna happen to his people.

(Reborn does not intend this to be an actual threat. It's supposed to be a slap on the wrist. A sort of, "Yeah, you're a teenager, but you need to start conducting yourself more seriously, knock it off before I actually get mad." Sure, Vongola is threatening to kidnap Tsuna's mom, but the kidnappers are just going to take her out for tea and cake and a spa night, and when Tsuna shows up to rescue her she'll be fine. The real punishment will be the physical path to go get her -- Reborn has an Embarrassing Obstacle Course TM planned.

And so on, for all of Tsuna's precious ones.

Reborn does not consider that Tsuna might actually believe the severity of the threats. After all they've been through, after all they've done for each other, Reborn knows Tsuna would never believe that Reborn could actually hurt Tsuna's people.)

But Tsuna. Well, Tsuna's on a different page. This life is killing him, slowly, and when Reborn tells him that he never intended to help Tsuna escape, it hits Tsuna like a full-on betrayal. And while mere minutes before, Tsuna knew that Reborn would never even dream of harming Tsuna's people, Tsuna no longer can trust this. Tsuna fully and absolutely believes that Reborn's threats are real, and that there will be permanent consequences if he doesn't comply.

It gets worse.

Tsuna thought Reborn actually cared about him. Reborn had, slowly but inevitably, become something like a father to Tsuna. But in that moment, Tsuna realizes that he actually was just a job all along.

And Xanxus. Tsuna also thought Xanxus cared about him. He thought they had come to an understanding. He thought they were starting to become brothers, of a sort -- bonded by battle and trauma and shared responsibilities, by nights complaining to each other over dinner or over the phone. And as Tsuna sits across from them, hearing his people threatened and knowing he is, in fact, going to be forced to Italy, he comes to believe that none of that new brotherhood was real.

And Tsuna realizes he has no choice. He never had a choice. He will end up in Italy, as Don Vongola, no matter how much it is going to kill him inside.

And worse: the people he has come to love clearly do not love him back. If they did, they would not be doing this to him. And sitting at that kitchen table, seeing the disappointment in Reborn and Xanxus' eyes, he knows that he is never going to be enough.

But he knows, he knows, that he isn't going to survive Italy without having them in his life supporting him. Because even if they don't love him, he does, truly, love them.

And he comes to the conclusion that if he remains as he is -- weak, useless Tsuna -- not only will he inevitably lose them, but he just flat out won't survive the life stretching out (long, so long, and so so desolate) before him.

So he uses his flames.

He images the mafia boss that they want him to be (as he perceives it). He thinks about all the characteristics they must want him to have, all the things they expect him to want, and he conjures an image of this better Tsuna in his mind. And then he harmonizes with it, becomes one with this false image of himself.

But it doesn't work, not all the way. There are still bits of him, the original, weak, disappointing Tsuna left. He can feel it, in the dread at the thought of the life before him. In the shocked-hurt he feels at this betrayal. In the agony of knowing that they don't care about him, they never cared about him, they only care about his title.

So he puts those bits of himself in ice.

And suddenly, the years ahead don't seem so bad. Suddenly, the betrayal seems reasonable -- after all, wasn't he acting so silly, so juvenile, trying to escape like that. Suddenly, it doesn't matter that they don't love him back -- of course they don't, why would they love him? -- all that matters is he loves them. As long as he keeps himself in check, and matches their expectations, nothing is wrong.

Tsuna looks at them, sitting across the table, and complies with their demands.

Reborn does, for a moment, think that it happens a bit too easily. There's none of the usual screeching, no dragging of the heels, no protests. Right then, Reborn fully expects it to boil over at some point in the future. (He thinks, maybe, that Tsuna is playing along now, but will have a teenagery-protest again as it gets closer to the time they leave for Italy.)

(It never happens.)

Reborn thinks, merely, that Tsuna has put on the mantle of maturity. It's a little ahead of schedule of what he was expecting, but then again, Tsuna has always exceeded expectations.

Time passes. Timoteo's health declines. He dies. Tsuna goes to Italy, and becomes a mafia boss.

(It's a golden age. Tsuna is just as compassionate and selfless and determined as Reborn always knew he would be. There is a peace, unlike anything the underworld has ever seen, because of his rule.

This peace is a result of the core of Tsuna peeking out. It always would have happened.)

It's five years into Tsuna's reign before people begin to realize that something is really, really wrong with Tsuna.

They do figure it out, eventually. And when they do, when they realize what happened and what caused it, it breaks them, just as much as they broke Tsuna all those years ago.

[bioedwinmx]

Ok, chart time. KHR Undying Will Flames into divided into a cohesive whole (Pretty sure somebody already did this like this)

So we have 3 axis under the Sky (which would be Sky Flames / Unity)

So the X axis is the axis of Reality: Storm and Mist flames represent everything that is, that could be and isn't.

The Y axis is the axis of Change: Lighting and Rain flames are everything that changes and everything that doesn't.

And the the Z axis is the Axis of Replication (I guess it should be named Parallel): Basically, it just represents every possible configuration of anything that can exist. Cloud and Sun flames multiply stuff in different ways with a lot of room for variation and evolution.

These axis represent the world, Reality affects Space, Change affects Time and Replication affects Parallels.

So, the Trinisette

The Mare Sky ring controls Replication, and it lets the user get to see parallel realities and go insane through overload.

The Sky arcobaleno gets Change, that let's her see the future, we'll not really, Yuni got that from her family... I think. The arcobaleno get transformed into babies though.

The Vongola sky ring get Reality, so they get to see every other user of the ring since their creation. Apparently, they can also be reforged, cool.

Anyways, an idiot would think that getting the trinisette would let him change the world. It probably wouldn't.

BTW I might be insane, don't know how much if this actually holds up to close inspection. It's 1 am and I'm very hyper.

[madkuroi]

Hi! Your answers have been fun to read. If you're still doing the ask game, may I ask 7 and 15 for Squaronna? Thanks!

Hello there! Thanks for stopping by! It's been fun doing these ask games and seeing that people got interested in my feral losers gives me extra motivation, tee-hee! I believe you're talking about the last ship meme I shared? If yes, I'll go with that! ~

Now for the questions!

7 - Which one is the worse driver?

Definetly Veronna. Not that she doesn't know how to drive per se, she just doesn't have the patience. She's used to track people by foot (and using high heels, mind you), so the thrill of the chase is more intense when she's slowly approaching her targets. Guess the designated driver for them would be Squalo, I guess LMAO

Although, as a little headcanon, I do think Veronna doesn't like cars, but seems to be ok with motorcycles. So maybe she gives a little bit of effort to learn, however in the end she takes a liking for the speed and even the adrenaline, since she wouldn't think twice to add more speed into the mix. I can definetly picture her having one of those fancy motorcycles, a vintage one would be the dream!

.

.

15. What they would change about each other?

Now that's an interesting question! Both have very unique personalities that work well when they're on their own, but once getting together, there's a need to learn about the flaws of each other, even if said task would be extremely difficult at first. Once again, I can share their points of view on the matter!

Maybe for Squalo, the thing he'd change about Veronna would be directly related to her recklessness. In a way, he can recognize she's a skilled fighter - Heck, she was able to escape death from his blade not once, but twice. But in his mind, she lacks discipline. Maybe he doesn't understand well why she acts that way, which is solely due to her Stregheria curse. She's feral, unhinged and acts on instinct when fighting and especially when getting wounded or when her ability with blood triggers. Being someone who doesn't take orders kinda doesn't help him either. Don't get me wrong, Squalo doesn't hate the fact that she's untamed. In fact, that's a thing that intrigues him. But as time passes and they get closer, there will be a time that things need to change.

For Veronna, not ironically... She'd change his "pleaser" attitude. Sounds weird, eh? But in fact, that would be directly tied to his loyalty. It's not about giving up, though - Veronna knows that Squalo's loyalty is part of who he is and it adds to his own strength. However, even said loyalty has limits, and he tends to forget about his own needs. Of course, said thing wouldn't be easy to notice, masked by his loud-talking and mocking, but she's observant enough to realize he'd have more potential if for one moment, he throws his ideals away and embraces a wild side. It's not about abandon his pride as a swordsman. Rather, to stand his ground and show why he's the best, not having his duties as a priority, but as a complement. This is a side of him that she saw when they met for the first time, and it was the reason why she realized he was the only man who could give her what she wanted... And could keep up with her ferocity. At that moment she realized that her heart was his. Both jokingly and literally, heh.

ask meme here!

[dreaming-hibi]

Do flame types work like genetic traits? If so, can I put it through a punnett square?

[myrmyrtheorca]

[Hiiii! Here on Jojo's behalf. She is tired!] What items would one need to use to summon ____? (Insert the character you'd like to talk about!)

Hello Nimo!! Thanks to both you and Jojo, I hope you both get the rest you deserve and send you lots of hugs 💙(❁´◡`❁)

For this particular ask, I chose the Entity, because I know Jojo likes her very much, and she has the most potential for this answer-

• Entity Summoning Ritual •

Are you sure about this? It's not going to end well. This isn't safe.

Items you need:

- Ashen organic remains. The closer to human they are, the better.

- Charred wood, or burnt coal. Must still be burning.

- Two of young children's milk teeth. DO NOT HURT THE CHILDREN TO GET THESE. IT'S UNETHICAL, AND SHE WILL KNOW!

- A ring made of lead. Must be handcrafted.

- An oil lantern.

- A bell.

Where to perform:

- Near the sea. Leave a window open so the breeze can come in.

- Indoors.

- Inside an abandoned lighthouse (optimal but not necessary).

When to perform:

- From March to September. Her favorite months!

Process:

1. Think about it.

2. Lay down the charred wood/coal,make sure to keep them searing.

3. Start to scatter the dust from the charred remains in circle around the previous items. Do it slowly, rythmically, make it as circular as you can. Maybe sing a song while you're at it, it will help in calming you down. Do not show signs of fear. She will smell it, and it will make a difference.

4. Place the lit oil lantern northwards, with its base on the circle of ash, facing the sea. If it dwindles, it's working, but don't get excited. Stay sharp, and keep your heartrate low. She can hear it.

5. Stop singing if you started at step 3. Start reciting the following verses over and over:

Rex tremendae majestatis

qui salvando salvas gratis

Salve me fons pietatis

Salve me fons pietatis

6. If done correctly, the base should start heating up and let out some smoke. Keep reciting the verses. Do your best not to stutter.

7. When the smoke becomes flame, stop reciting and ring the bell. Once. Pause. Twice. Pause. Thrice. Stop.

8. If you know her real name, speak it. It greatly helps.

End. If you hear a voice saying "Grazie", you're safe, and the ritual is complete. If you hear the words "Mi rifiuto", or the fire grows without a response, RUN. The building is about to be engulfed.

[unwrathful]

ok last one before i disappear to play games

[discendia]

Is there a profile about Yamamoto Rio? really looking forward to learning more about her, her story and how it relates to canon

Hi, Anon! Welcome to my blog! ☆ I hope you like it here~

To answer your question, I have a rough profile I started writing some time ago. It doesn't have all the information, but I'll copy it under the cut since you're interested (and it's a bit long).

Thank you for asking! Wishing you a lovely day ♡

────── 〔✿〕──────

- PROFILE -

Name: Yamamoto Rio (山本 里桜)

Age: 14 (Canon Timeline), 24 (10YL)

Birthday: April 24

Nationality: Japanese

Height: 1,72 m. (Canon Timeline), 1,77 m. (10YL)

Family: Tsuyoshi (father), Ran (mother), Takeshi (brother)

[ ��� There’s information to be added here ]

- PERSONALITY -

Unlike Takeshi, who is like a beacon that attracts everyone's attention, Rio prefers to go unnoticed, but once you meet her, she is a sweet girl, warm and optimistic.. She’s dedicated to her friends and very family-oriented.

Growing up in the restaurant environment, surrounded by customers who come and go, has helped her develop skills to deal with people; she quickly grasps others’ limits and knows when not to push them.

She is the type of person who believes that conflicts can be resolved without fighting, although she will not hesitate to raise her weapons if her attempts to defuse the situation do not work.

[ 🔒 There’s information to be added here ]

- NAMIMORI MIDDLE SCHOOL -

Class: 1-B; 2-A

Extracurricular activity: Student Council

Within the Student Council, Rio is part of the Sports Committee that is responsible for the organization of the school's sports clubs. Among their duties are reviewing inventories and responding to material requests, collecting files from students participating in tournaments and events, and organizing other internal sports activities.

Her work is done religiously at each council meeting, but she is not usually there to answer questions about the reports they deliver, especially if the meetings are in the morning... Luckily, no one seems to notice this.

- LA FAMIGLIA (10YL) -

Afiliation: Vongola Family

Position: Family Liaison

As a diplomat of the Family, her duty is to establish and maintain communication with the different divisions and allied members. From simple contact between the guardians when they are dispersed to calming things down when there is something to discuss with different squads, she intervenes in the establishment of new alliances and the peaceful resolution of internal and external conflicts.

Rio’s office is an information center where messages constantly come and go. It is not surprising that part of its workers are dedicated to collecting this information through not so legal means.

- TO THE BATTLE -

Dying Wil Flame: Rain

Equipment: Iron fan and katana. A-Rank Rain Ring and B-Rank Rain Ring (10YL).

Fighting style: Shigure Soen Ryuu: 9 + 2 forms (10YL)

[ 🔒 There’s information to be added here ]

- RELATIONSHIPS -

[ Oops, I never started this part 🔒 There’s information to be added here ]

- TRIVIA -

Her least favorite thing is getting up early.

Her favorite drink is milk, just like Takeshi, but she can't stand cold milk.

Her favorite dish is chirashi sushi, and her preferred kind of fish are salmon, bonito, and shrimp.

Her hobbies are scrapbooking and cardmaking.

In the future, she would like to be her father's apprentice and inherit the restaurant.

She has good intuition to know what to study for an exam and usually doesn’t care about the rest.

[gelataisa]

Same anon as before and not gonna lie I like your fanon more lmao. That being said I do believe flames were in fact something Amano did add later as they developed the story during that arc. As we all know it originally wasn’t intended to be a battle shonen so of course Amano had to add some more “magical” elements.

But in the world flames have always been a thing (because it would be insane in-world if it were just invented during the ring battle). That being said then, the other instance we see “flames” being used by someone outside of vongola before the ring battle is Mukuro as his illusions are powered using by mist flames.

Does anyone else being shot with the Dying Will Bullet during the daily life arc also count? Such as Ryohei and Kyoko? Since that’s technically their flames being activated similar to Tsuna if you think about it. There was also the bullet Longchamp’s family had but… that’s probably its own this lmao. Anyway sorry for the ramble I just find your takes very interesting.

Well I'm very glad you find them interesting!!! I'm here exactly for this

But yes, amano certainly built lore along the way, I am pretty certain that all the different flame types were thought for real only at the beginning of the future arc, with the concept being born with Basil's "rain" flame (I do not even remember if it was an actual rain flame at the time). And I'm also pretty sure that mukuro's illusions being mist flames is said later, while in the varia arc/before it was just "many illusionists end up being mist guardians", considering mammon as well.

And no, people being shot with magic bullets, at least for me, does not count:

The dying will (flame) is certainly present in (almost) everyone, but the flame is possible only in extreme events, such as being shot by the magic bullet, so much that it erupts directly from the head, being uncontrolled

Only very few people - aka the most powerful, aka vongola bosses - are able to condense their willpower to make a flame and use it as they want. And until the varia arc they also needed a special weapon as catalyst (not just a ring), even Xanxus's flame is described as possible only with certain bullets in his guns

Basil's roles is basically to teach Tsuna not only how to maintain his flame, but also to use it without reborn shooting him if I remember well. Sure, he has the mints, but I'm pretty certain that later in the manga that is lost as well and Tsuna can just ignite as he wants (though it's tricky territory, to consider later lore, even if we look at its evolution)

So yes, flames have always being a thing in reborn lore, but I believe that they were incredibly rare before the future arc (so much that at its beginning it is explained that they a new advancement in battles) and reserved for the most powerful, when used with consciousness (and not just, going berserk because of a magic bullet)

[yunnebbia]

Hot chubby elf grandma in our mafia lore ? More likely than u think

[einsatzzz]

HI EIN YAAAAY QUESTIONS TIME. For Yui 😈😈😈😈

What headcanons/theories do you believe fandom would invent about your character?

What controversies/drama would your character incite in fandom?

What would be the ‘incorrect but wildly popular’ interpretation of your character in fandom?

Are there ship wars? Are they a popular character to ship, or the kind of character that gets shuffled off and away from shipping for whatever reason?

MELLLLLL!!!! 💜💜✨ I hope the answers to this ask makes you laugh in these trying times, because @amiahoshi answered all of this and it's all based on his personal fandom experience (from a different fandom, on twi///tter) 🤣🤣🤣

What headcanons/theories do you believe fandom would invent about your character?

Instead of talking about Yui's character/lore, people would find more joy in making hit tweets about how he is implied to be gay and he's in denial about only liking men.

People would then proceed to point out the most random shit ever as proof that he's gay.

Ein: Good thing Yui is an OC and not a canon character.

What controversies/drama would your character incite in fandom?

"Is Yui gay or not?" Every once in a while, a big fandom account would make a hit tweet about how they're so sick of people pretending that Yui isn't gay-coded/-implied and then shipping him with women.

What would be the ‘incorrect but wildly popular’ interpretation of your character in fandom?

People would consider him a sadist. Wrong, he's just excited when showing off/testing out his robot creations, he's not really actively trying to hurt anyone.

People think he has a preference for men over women. Wrong, he doesn't care as long he's the top.

Are there ship wars? Are they a popular character to ship, or the kind of character that gets shuffled off and away from shipping for whatever reason?

Yeah, there are ship wars. Specifically, YuiRumi (Yui x Kurumi), YuiHiyo (Yui x Hiyori) and YuiMina (Yui x Minato) shippers. Actually, YuiMina shippers are very quiet, they're only listed here because they always end up as collateral damage.

Ein: Thank God, there's no YuiKana. Sou: Kana is just weird like that.

People will argue over which one of these three are implied canon. YuiRumi shippers are especially toxic, they think they're canon because they're childhood friends.

Even with the huge amount of ship bait YuiHiyo has, YuiRumi shippers strongly believe that their ship is canon. This is because their relationship is pre-established and they're always together in official arts.

It's also because Yui has been assigned as Kurumi's right-hand man since childhood, so that means they have a very special connection and basically canon-implied. They also pretend to ship other ships that involve the other half of their rival ships just to assert that their ship is canon. They also invented shipping meta because of this.

Ein: WTF EVEN IS A SHIPPING META???!!! Sou: That's something you only know when you're chronically online.

[twilitseas]

Novana Family's 10th Generation, Ten Years Later. A Gleaming Starry Sky refusing to dim.

HFKJSDHF this took so long I'm glad to finally have it done for all of the Novana :)))

fun fact!! the symbols in their eyes aren't just symbolic; after certain things happen in TYL, their eyes actually do take on these effects, either permanently or while [ REDACTED ].

The Novana Family holds a secret ability that, while normally not as powerful as the 7^3, the rarity and novelty of its activation + powers made Byakuran keep them on his radar, should anything have gone wrong with his original plan :)

[luz-is-overworked]

Fanfic Ideas

'Tokyo Revengers' x 'Katekyō Hitman Reborn!' Crossover

Blurb;

Takemichi grew up an ordinary child, with an ordinary education.

His mother had taken great lengths to ensure he had an ordinary life.

Of course she had also spun fairytale stories of magical multicoloured flames, stories that weren’t quite stories but more like fables, warning her son to run, run far away from anyone who looked like they had a faint mysticism about them.

He knew this, like he knew that the grass was green, if someone provoked a fight then you should be the one to end it, and we don't negotiate with the police.

Takemichi know this… knew that his mother had warned him that other flame-actives would be enticing, seductive even… but when he saw The Invincible Mikey standing over him with all the grandeur of a king... something in him snapped into place.

He had fucked it.

And now he was stuck.

Because of all the flame-actives to be drawn in by, his mother had warned him against one in particular.

Skies would give you a home, they were essentially unavoidable if by some freak miracle he ever did meet one in his lifetime, Storms were a whirlwind, but they were fiercely loyal and they weren’t the worst friends in the world, his mother had admitted… but no. Takemichi just had to get swept up in the glitz and glamour of a fucking latent Cloud.

God-forbid his mother find out!

[aceofthegreenajah]

So @tls12lessthan3 and @libzarzar have enabled my corrent orv obsession and my forever khr obsession. This is me assigning flames (sky flames only, no earth flames) to orv characters! ALL the orv spoilers. I will be vague about them but I will allude to things in the epilogue.

I have done my best to rely on canonical info about flames and not my headcanons.

KDJ - Sky I feel like this is pretty self-evident. The most telling thing about being a sky is how people react to them. People grow very attached to KDJ; they look up to him; they follow his lead; they want to impress him and protect him. He holds the group together and they start to fall apart when he's away for too long. (See: both his first 'longer' death and the epilogue).

That isn't the only thing, though. Skies have a stubbornness and unwillingness to change (see: Tsuna refusing Vongola all the way to the end and everything about Xanxus as prime examples). They won't change for others lightly, and they don't generally accept anyone or anything as an authority. They might sort of align themselves with an organization or another sky, but ultimately they always follow their own goals.

These are both very KDJ things - he puts his party through hell with his self-sacrificial tendencies but even though he realizes this, and knows it is shitty, he doesn't really change. And he shows no subservience to any power, even those that could crush him like an ant.

Skies like to surround themselves with people - as KDJ does. The sky might be posessive over them, but they don't really grow dependent on them, and rarely confide in them. (See: multiple skies in khr are willing to sacrifice their elements for their plans. Tsuna not being willing to sacrifice them for leadership of Vongola just means his goal is never obtaining said leadership. Which he says himself at any opportunity. KDJ is not willing to sacrifice any of them presicely because his goal is a happy ending for everyone.)

KDJ he shows multiple instances of posessiveness - first thing that comes to mind is when he has just recruited SYS and determines that she can never know YJH just in case that makes her leave KDJ for YJH. He grows to rely on their abilities in his plans; that doesn't mean he relies on them as people emotionally. He always holds himself a little separate.

Some skies are also good at reading and understanding people - reading comprehension and omniscient reader's viewpoint, anyone? All of KDJ's skills dovetail nicely into an aspect of sky flames. Not exactly, of course, but Tsuna can tell the difference between illusion and reality (fourth wall) and you could argue bookmark is about comprehending and then harmonizing with someone. There are skies with different types of future sight (hyper intuition, and the seer bloodline in Giglio Nero skies). You can dig for more - there's plenty of material to work with there.

YJH - cloud Clouds are incredibly strong, independent, slow to grow loyal but incredibly loyal once it is earned (yet still independent to the end). Their growth (in power) is exponential.

YJH is the strongest human character (probably). He always makes his own plans and goes his own way, unless the others can wrangle him to participating in the group. Even to the very end. He does grow loyalty to KDJ (but not really subservience) but it happens very slowly, and yet he is one of the two characters most unable to let go of him at the end. Tell me that isn't textbook cloud.

HSY - mist(sky) So. My first instinct for HSY is mist.

Mists are creative and imaginative. They are subtle when they want to and incredibly theatrical at other times. They also have an independent streak, and a tendency to refuse reality and twist it to their own whims.

Avatar is a skill that could fit into a few different flame types, but they could be mist constructs.

But I could also be talked into a full no-avatars HSY being a sky.

+ surrounded by people. The other HSY surronunds himself with people - she does play KDJ's role in many respects. Our HSY also surrounded himself with the disciples. The first group especially grew incredibly loyal.

+ HSY is also very stubborn and unwilling to bow to authority.

+ Predictive plagiarism could be a sky skill. As said khr skies have future related skills (hyper intuition and seers). I could see it as a mist skill as well (mist thing is creativity) but as avatar fits better in mist, predictive plagiarsm fits better in sky.

- On the other hand our HSY is eventually absorbed into KDJ's group and ceases to gather her own followers. Not a sky thing to do, but this is after she has lost >=50% of herself.

In short: it could be that HSY is originally a sky, but every time she creates an avatar she gives it some of her flames, and this has left our HSY a mist once >=50% of her flames are gone.

LHS - lightning Lightnings are hard to damage and their role is often protecting and taking damage for the other flames. Many lightnings we see are active and eager to take action. LHS fits this exactly.

JHW - storm Storms are, most of all, passionate. Gokudera is passionate about Tsuna and his hobbies; Fon is passinate about martial arts; Bel is passionate about his royalty and stabbing people. Whatever the storm wants, they have the drive to be the best and dedicate themselves fully.

JHW is very passionate about justice and right and wrong.

Her abilities also fit storm and the disintegration property storm flames have. Storm flames are extremely destructive and there are really no super effective countermeasures for them. All of JHW's abilities are OP and destructive as fuck flame abilities.

Now we come to the ones I am a little unsure about.

YSA - Rain/Sun But which one? Rains are officially 'tranquility', but their characters are all over the place. What most unites them is that they all have a purpose. Squalo has the sword and Xanxus; Takeshi had baseball and switches to Tsuna; Colonello and Lal have each other (at different points of their lives) and training their students and (at some point probably) their military careers. And so on.

There is also some sense of self stuff going on there.

Squalo hitched his whole existence on Xanxus practically on sight. That makes him sound spontanous, and the loud and rough exterior reinforces this image. But he is also Xanxus' second in command who ran Varia in his absence, and shows surprising insight at several moments (like in the future when training Takeshi). Stormy waters run deep?

Takeshi knows how to play the fool but not how to connect to people. He measured his self-worth by how good he was at his purpose (baseball) at first; when he formed any sort of connection with Tsuna he grew incredibly loyal and dedicated instantly. He continues to keep up the exterior that people are used to - when Takeshi drops the act, you know things are serious. Still waters run deep.

YSA is very good at putting on a calm or chipper or charming front. Is there an underlayer we rarely get to see? I'd argue yes. We see hints of this even in pre-canon - she was getting back at superiors at work without anyone suspecting her. She also is incredibly dedicated. She was valued employee at work, studied on her commute, then becomes dedicated to helping KDJ's group survive in the apocalypse and drives herself to death with it.

But she does fit into Sun as well.

Suns are energetic and constantly on the move, constantly doing something. When they do something they give it 200% level effort. They are ferocious, often chipper, sometimes hyperactive. They may be very fast healers.

Sangah is a high-achiever. At first she is competent at work, studying even on her commute. She bikes to work. When self-defence becomes a necessity, she grows to an incredible fighter very quickly. She uses her skills so much that eventually they start to kill her.

She is also chipper and cheerful by default, which is not a must for a sun but is still a very sun attitude. I Can Do It! Her focus is not only on skills but on people, and that and her upbringing as a wealthy woman may explain why she feels the need to put on a more placid surface. Social expectations she's internalized, you know.

So, since YSA could go either way (she can be both. people can have multiple flames) let's check out our last (adult) member to see where she falls into. To make sure we have a full set.

JHY personifies the concept that you can't know a person just by what you see on the surface. She's trans; we meet her putting on an act - Aileen explicitly even states that you can't belive what comes out of her mouth. She has the wall of impossible communication. I couldn't write a more rain characteristic if I tried.

She did have a purpose originally - dimension hopping and trying to get strong - but eventually abandoned it. Giving up her purpose would contribute greatly to her self-loathing, so it's not a dealbreaker for her being a rain.

Sun is also a possibility. When learning a skill JSY learns incredibly fast (for skills learned through the wall.) If JSY is a sun, the self-loathing rises from being unable to do things and learn things. Suns are active and curious, and being forced to be neither would be hell on them. And she quickly becomes happier as soon as she can do stuff.

The trouble is that I like rain better for both YSA and JHY, but my brain wants a full set so one of them will be assigned sun. Last night I leaned towards JHY sun; this morning YSA sun. Opinions welcome! I feel like JHY is the character I have the poorest grasp on.

I will make a new post for the kids and teens if I feel like it. Hades is ofc night flames and likely Persephone as well. (I have a fic idea with those two running the vindice and kdj getting adopted by them. And another fic idea with just orv except with flames. I have a few chapters plotted for both but nothing 'written'. )

[madkuroi]

A Requiem For The Gods

Hello there!

Since I've been yapping a lot about Veronna, I decided to drop the oneshot I wrote telling a bit of her backstory along with some ship (kinda) dynamics! It is a bit graphic but I'll add the whole warnings below before starting!

Also, this is my first writing experience, so I pushed myself to bring something cool!

Overall, enjoy! ~

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Summary: The most feared assassin from Venice, Veronna Fellin made jus to her alias - A ruthless hitwoman who's known for tricking death plenty of times. In one night, she was tasked on a mission. That wouldn't be a big deal, except by the fact that causing so much trouble turned her into a special target to another well-known assassin. And now the predator was about to turn into prey.

Theme song here!

(TW: Blood, extreme violence, alcohol mention/consumption)

[Venice, Italy.]

The full moon showed its mysterious beauty on that night. At an old manor, silence was absolute... Until numerous screams of agony could be heard, one after another. That luxurious place was the scenario of an inhuman massacre. Between shattered glass and broken furniture, one figure stood still. How unfortunate all of those men were... For crossing her path. Worst of all... For being her targets.

The Bloody Maiden was on the hunt. 

And even outnumbered, she managed to take down her targets, one by one, like it wasn't a big deal. It was like a beast unleashed, slicing her enemies with her Sai daggers, each strike done with outstanding precision. She wasn't there just for a mere fight. Veronna Fellin only aimed to kill. The hits of blades, bullets or whatever those bastards were throwing at her in order to stop that onslaught... Bruised her body and made her bleed. But little they knew...

If she bleeds... She becomes stronger.

"What a shame... I thought you'd stand a chance..." The redhead mocked, noticing that one of her targets was still alive, crawling on the ground in a futile way to escape. Slowly, like a predator, she walked towards that man, her daggers in hand, blood dripping from the tips. Veronna had to be sure there would be no witnesses. "Nothing personal, but I like my job well done..."

Suddenly, a loud noise echoed. A gunshot. The bullet pierced her chest and made her bleed once more, making the redhead stop, giving a spark of hope. Was she finally... Dead? There was an eerie silence for a few seconds... Until her gaze was fixed on her last target, amethyst eyes shining with ferocity, her pupils sharpening in frenzy. A devilish smirk formed on her lips painted purple, with fangs at full display.

"...It can't be... The Devil of Venezia..!"

Those were the last words the man could say, before dropping the gun and getting hit by a violent strike from Veronna's daggers, piercing his flesh and ending his misery in a matter of seconds. Withdrawing her blades with a grin, she licked the tip of one of her blades, tasting the fresh blood it was tainted with, only to get a disgusted look in her face seconds after.

"...That's horrible. The blood from this scourge is the worst." She protested, spitting the blood out of pure anger. Her job done, she decided to admire the mess she made.

Walking in slow steps, Veronna could see every single detail from the attack on that manor. Corpses scattered around the floor, most of the areas completely ransacked and tainted by numerous bloodstains. A smirk formed on her lips, taking a small bit of pride from what she did. Venice was her territory, and no one stood a chance against her. She knew how filthy those men from the Mafia were. So being on her own, as a well-known assassin... They had to think twice before even thinking of facing someone like her.

Finding a luxurious seat that pretty much looked like a throne, Veronna decided to sit, her bruised body full of bloodstains adding a creepy contrast to the delicate furniture. A bottle of wine was displayed as well, so she took a glass and poured the drink gracefully. After a deep sigh, she raised it, dedicating that lonely toast to another victory, before taking a slow sip.

"Another lovely night in Venezia... Seems like nothing can stop me..."

Suddenly, she could hear a heartbeat. One of Veronna's perks due to her blood ability. It was fast, and getting closer by the second... Something wasn't right. She was sure that every single target on that manor was killed... Until she saw a mysterious figure busting out the front door. No, that man wasn't like the weaklings she faced before…

He was way different.

Although, the redhead didn't show any kind of surprise. But looking at that vicious long-haired swordsman in front of her, eyeing her like she was some kind of prey... It was something that piqued her interest. But seeing a very familiar insignia made her lips curl into a devilish smirk.

"...Oh... The Varia..." Veronna's tone was mocking, hiding a bit of mischief.

And with that very-well known yell of his, she confirmed her suspicions.

"Seems like you had fun tonight, Devil of Venezia..." The silver-haired swordsman shouted, not even bothered by the scenario in front of him. He was sure that Veronna wasn't an ordinary assassin.

"If it isn't Squalo... Why send one of the best Varia assassins to come after me?" The redhead chuckled in disdain, not even bothering the fact he was looking at her with murderous intent. "...Am I that dangerous, so you can deal with me personally?

"You've been causing too much trouble around... So the boss wanted me to capture you." Pointing his blade at her, Squalo didn't even bother her mocking tone. "...You're coming with me."

"And what if I say no?" Veronna replied, her hand shaking the glass a little bit, the wine swirling inside, before she took another long sip. "I have no business with the Vongola."

"In that case... I won't mind taking your damn life and just cut you piece by piece, Veronna." The vicious swordsman gave his ultimatum, getting into his fighting stance, his eyes fixed on Veronna, a predatory aura emanating from him.

"...Bastardo... Know your damn place." Taking a final sip, she threw the glass violently against a wall, shattering it in numerous pieces, before standing up. "But if you want a fight so badly..."

Silence. The only sound that could be heard was from the breeze hitting the windows of the old manor, the pale moonlight reflecting on the two assassins, their gazes never leaving each other. Aside from Veronna's body being covered in bloodstains and numerous bruises, she stood still. Grabbing her Sai once more, she got into her fighting stance as well, her crimson locks cascading on her shoulders.

"...I haven't danced in a while. Entertain me."

And with enormous speed, their blades finally engaged into combat. The sound of clashing steel echoed on that manor, with each move being perfectly parried, neither of them giving a single opening. Both assassins fought with absolute dexterity, and Veronna was strangely amused to fight someone who could give her a real challenge.

It was a raw and savage clash of blades. Squalo could see the ferocity in Veronna's eyes, and the way her attacks were becoming gradually more powerful. She was like a beast, and he felt like looking at himself in the mirror. Someone as feral and vicious as he was. Taking her down wouldn't be an easy task, but he would be sure that he'd emerge victorious.

"...Seems like I'll have to play dirty with you..."

With another swing of his sword, the hidden explosives who got thrown took Veronna off-guard, causing an instant explosion. By instinct, she backed off a second before, but that wasn't enough, and she ended up being damaged. In the middle of the fog, Squalo looked around to see if she was gone for good, only to see the redhead darting towards him with insane speed, twirling her daggers and aiming for his throat.

"You're mine...!"

Then, the sound of cut and pierced flesh could be heard. In the heat of battle, a terrifying silence. When the fog from the previous explosion finally dissipated, the outcome of the battle could be finally seen.

Squalo was panting heavily, a strand of his long hair falling to the ground, and a cut on his face. But he felt his left arm heavier. And he noticed that she was still pointing the Sai at his throat, but unable to move... 

Because his sword pierced Veronna's chest, tainting it with her blood.

The redhead was paralyzed, not moving a single muscle. "Is she dead?" Squalo asked in his thoughts. The drops of blood were slowly falling on the floor, and the only thing he could see was Veronna's body impaled by his blade. Until…

A mischievous giggle escaped from her lips, which made his eyes widen in horror.

"...Got you."

Veronna's voice sounded more like a growl, smirking with a maniacal aura. Her pupils sharpened once more, and her gaze focused at the cut on his face... The redhead got into a frenzy. And seeing that he was trying to withdraw his sword, but to no avail, just made her feel even more amused. She was like the Devil. The one she was known for.

"Let's see what you can give me..." One of her daggers pierced his shoulder, to her lack of luck, because she wanted to kill him, but due to her wound, her moves were limited. But that was enough to make him bleed and cover the tip of her blade. With a rather luscious move, she licked her dagger, her fangs showing, having a taste of his own blood.

"...Diavola...You should be dead!" Squalo cursed, trying his best to get rid from Veronna's trap, but to no avail. Of course, that wound she made on him was nothing, but he was still annoyed by the fact she shouldn't be doing that like she wasn't mortally wounded.

"Oh... It tastes... Like a sin." Another giggle left her lips, before she pushed herself even more towards him, the sword impaling her almost completely, until their faces were pretty close to each other. "Why don't you take it... As a little treat?"

Veronna leaned in, her breath husky against his skin, and her tongue darting out to lick his lips in an alluring way, smudging his lips with his own blood, the metallic taste lingering. At that moment, Squalo finally realized why she was known as the Devil of Venezia. Was she... Literally seducing him?

And with a swift move, she pulled herself out of his blade, an open wound shown in her chest. Normally, any other person should be dead. But due to her ability with blood, Veronna was sturdy by nature. He wouldn't be able to kill her, no matter how much he tried. That sudden move of hers didn't help either.

"Tell your boss that I tricked death once more, Squalo... That you can't kill the Devil of Venezia." Veronna chuckled, her expression feral yet mocking. She was really amused to see her blood drenching his blade. 

Then, she could hear numerous heartbeats from the outside. Which put an end to their deadly dance. Squalo was no fool, of course he'd call reinforcements. Maybe it wasn't him at all, but judging by the Varia, that wouldn't be surprising.

"... Guess that puts an end to our battle, signore... I'm afraid our meeting is no longer private." Veronna's voice was low and mischievous, her eyes still darting around the swordsman in front of her, as she aimed for one of the windows of the upper floor, standing on the edge.

"...I'm not done with you, puttana! I'll kill you!" The silver-haired swordsman shouted, his gaze burning in anger, as he charged towards her, trying to reach his target.

"And remember my words... I'll be a living reminder of your own failure."

With that, Veronna took a leap of faith, disappearing in the shadows, nowhere to be seen, leaving an angry swordsman behind, shouting in pure hatred, and feeling like they would continue their own dance... Later.

"Arrivederci, Squalo."

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[Venice, Italy. Several nights later.]

It was a special night in the city of lovers. The streets of Venice, once more, were full of people celebrating, being on land or sharing a gondola ride through the waterways. That time of the year, the citizens could enjoy an unique celebration. Being by the music, the luxurious attires, and their faces shrouded in mystery thanks to the masks covering them. It finally arrived, the Venice Carnival. Said celebration was something that brought people from all corners of Italy, and even foreigners. Everyone was welcome that night.

And one of them, was already enjoying the celebrations.

Veronna was still recovering from her last battle, but her wounds were almost fully healed. She knew it wouldn't be a good idea to show herself, but her Venetian roots took charge. There was no way she'd miss her favorite celebration of the year. Aside from being an assassin, she was very passionate about her hometown.

"Ah, the Carnival of Venezia... My favorite time of the year." She stated to herself, looking at the crowd from a balcony of a rich manor. Her attire brought the best that Venice could offer - A velvet purple dress, layered with some of the best fabrics of the country, also adorned with raven feathers, adding a rather eerie contrast. Hiding her face, a golden mask, covered in precious gems, mostly diamonds and amethysts. The same raven feathers from her dress were also featured in her mask. If anything, Veronna was simply a deadly beauty. A commoner wouldn't tell that lady was also one of the most feared assassins from the Mafia.

The redhead was attending a Masquerade ball, being one of the guests from that manor, but for some reason, didn't partake in the celebrations just yet. With a glass of wine in hand, she took a slow sip of the beverage, before returning to her stargazing. It was a full moon night, and once more she had a lonely toast. In fact, the main reason Veronna decided to stay in solitude was due to certain thoughts that couldn't leave her mind…

Since that fatidic battle.

Touching her chest, and feeling that her skin didn't fully heal from that wound... Her thoughts were instantly drawn to him. That damned vicious swordsman. Maybe luck was by her side because she managed to flee, or knowing his stubbornness, things wouldn't end that way. But that couldn't be the focus for her. It was the beginning of the Carnival, there were better things to do... She could forget her duties for a night, that wouldn't hurt.

"What a beautiful night... Better enjoy at its fullest." She took another sip of her wine, sighing in relief. Her gaze turned to the full moon, and even if a slow music started to play in the dance hall, she chose to just enjoy a drink alone on that balcony... Until realizing she wasn't alone.

"Oh, but I couldn't agree more." A masculine voice echoed, hearing Veronna's statement. When the redhead looked back, she noticed that another masquerader was watching her. Narrowing her eyes, she knew exactly what that meant. Aside from his luxurious outfit also mirroring the Venice standards, and a silver mask covering half of his features... That long silver hair tied up in a ponytail gave the hint she needed. So it was true, Squalo didn't give up on tracking her down. "...What a lovely belladonna like you is doing alone on a night like this?"

"I just thought I could have a little drink." Veronna replied, noticing that both were following Masquerade rules. If that was the case, better play along that little game. Giving a smirk and showing a little bit of her fangs, she took another sip of her wine. "I have my ways of enjoying a Carnival night."

"Then, perhaps we could indulge in a little dance? Unless you're scared of little old me..." In a rather courteous way, Squalo took one of Veronna's hands and placed a gentle kiss on her knuckles. He also noticed that both kept a facade, due to the whole Masquerade thing. Even so, he didn't let his guard down.

"Scared? I have no idea what you are talking about." The redhead wouldn't admit it, but she was caught by surprise by that act of chivalry. Compared to the savage battle both had a few nights ago, seeing that side of him was... Odd. But since they already started this pretending game, better just go with the flow. "However... Such a lovely night deserves a last dance, signore..."

Exchanging a few glances here and there, both walked towards the dance hall, where a slow music started playing. After bowing at each other in a sign of respect - And keeping themselves hidden due to the Masquerade rules, both starting their dance. It didn't take long for them to be the center of attention and drag the attention of the other masqueraders, who looked at the mysterious couple in awe. It wasn't intended, but their moves were precise and smooth, such a graceful sight.

However, hiding behind the grace of their own dance, it was clear there was something else going on. Their gazes were fixed on each other, watching every single move, almost like devouring with the eyes, or simply waiting for the smallest of mistakes. After a twirl that made Veronna's skirt float in a delicate way, the silence was finally broken.

"Not bad... You seem to be skilled." The redhead whispered, keeping their dance along with the facade. That also was a chance to get closer to her partner, even if that could be dangerous. But in that state, it was worth a shot.

"Hey... I can tell the same about you, signora." Squalo's voice was raspy and a bit calm, an odd contrast to his loud talking. He knew pretty well that was a game, and he didn't intend to lose, not on that night. "I'm just surprised no man here invited you for a dance."

"I don't blame them. Besides... No man in this world can give me what I want." Veronna stated, her tone mischievous. She was enjoying that little banter, more than she expected. With another twirl, their faces got a bit closer, only separated by the masks covering their features. 

Their waltz kept going smoothly, and between spins and touches, both realized that they were the main attraction of that Masquerade ball. Each step was made with such finesse, that it wouldn't be hard to tell they've been rehearsing for years. Which wasn't the case, because everything was a well-made disguise. However, such a game was too fun to simply give up now.

But Veronna knew the truth behind that act, and she was sure that she wasn't the only one. As a trained assassin, it wouldn't be hard to notice when your own life is in danger. A few call it instinct, others call it skill. But his eyes... Even hidden by the mask, she could tell they were hostile. Judging by her surroundings, the redhead was already thinking about another plan. But for now, it was better to keep their twisted waltz until the very end.

"That's a bit arrogant, you know? Saying things like that..." The silver-haired swordsman couldn't help but leave a small laugh, and after another twirl, one of his hands grabbed her waist, pulling their bodies closer in a swift move after the music stopped. "Especially now that you're in my grasp..."

"Well, too bad you can't kill me in front of all of these civilians..." Veronna didn't get affected by his own mocking, and hearing the applause of the crowd, it felt like both were in fact, the stars of that night. She could hear his heartbeat increasing by the proximity, or it could be the adrenaline of the moment. Then, she realized it was finally time to drop the facade. When her fingers tangled in a strand of his long silver locks, she leaned in, and left her best words to the end of their dance, a very well-known Venetian accent leaving her lips. "...Isn't that right... Squalo?"

She gave him a smirk and with a skilled move, the redhead pulled away, managing to get free from his arms and blend with the crowd. If anything, only a raven feather that fell from her dress stayed as a memory of that mysterious masquerader who just shared a dance with a fellow assassin. Veronna knew well now, that even in the Venice Carnival, a night that was supposed to be fun, nothing more, nothing less... She was still a target. Even so, her final words reached Squalo in a way that they'd be imprinted in his mind.

"You'll never catch me."

And for Squalo, things would definitely not end like that. Veronna was his target, and he wouldn't rest until seeing her life in his hands. Failure wasn't an option now. He would hunt her to hell and back just for the fact she called herself a reminder of his failure. Leaving the dance hall, he threw his mask away, and attached his sword. Now that he was away from all the civilians, the only thing to do was to track her down. Knowing that Venice was crowded, it could be a challenging task... Except by the fact he knew Veronna pretty well at the point of knowing the route she'd follow.

"We'll see about that, Devil of Venezia."

Meanwhile, fleeing from the manor, Veronna took the Sai daggers that were hidden on the side of her thighs, ripping part of the skirt's dress. This way, it would be easier to move around. Part of her was a bit upset for ruining such a beautiful dress, but there were more urgent matters. She knew that Squalo wouldn't give up, and had to prepare herself for an eventual fight. Aside from being an assassin, she didn't want to involve others who were celebrating on the town's streets. Veronna was very passionate and respectful about her hometown, and such a special night didn't deserve to be tainted with blood. Especially hers.

Jumping through the rooftops of the old and new buildings, the masked redhead was doing a great job finding the perfect escape route. Daggers in hand, she jumped from one to another with mastery, not being noticed by the commoners. Veronna looked around and spotted a route with two unused waterways, who seemed to be rather empty. She was about to follow it, until feeling a hostile presence. There was no doubt. 

Again, hearing that yell of his... Veronna realized that Squalo managed to find her.

"Hey... Thinking you can escape from me again?" The swordsman taunted, looking at Veronna with a predatory aura. It was completely different from the Masquerade ball from a while ago. That look in his eyes was vicious, wild. There was even a hint of annoyance, considering the outcome of their first battle.

"Can't help it... You're just mad that I tainted your pride..." Veronna hissed, her mask still hiding the slight annoyance from his last words. Clenching the Sai daggers in her hands, she kept their own banter going. "Or, you actually enjoyed dancing with me?"

"Don't be full of yourself, diavola. This time I'll make sure you're gone for good." Squalo scoffed, the sour taste of their battle still lingering on his lips. "Besides... Why don't we start... A real dance, right here and now?"

No words were needed after that. In the blink of an eye, both rushed with their weapons, clashing their blades in combat. And once more, they joined a deadly dance, with the main music being the sound of steel clashing. Both were skilled fighters with their own weapons, with every single move being parried and counter-attacked with a mastery that only they could achieve. It was a raw, ferocious battle, mirroring their nature while engaging in combat. Gritting her teeth, Veronna's moves became a little faster, trying to find the perfect opening. But she also knew that she couldn't take Varia's second-in-command that easily. She might use dual weapons, but they were blades nonetheless. And if there's something the redhead knew about Squalo, is how he simply destroyed every single one.

"Hey... Looks like I struck a nerve." Squalo's grin showed how confident he was in that battle. Even if their moves and skills were evenly matched, it was clear that he could see how Veronna was annoyed. Perhaps because her words about never being caught backfired.

"Are you sure about that? Bastardo... This fight is far from over!" Once again, their blades clashed, in a deadly dance of skills and even wits. A wicked smile formed on her lips, as her Sai clutched with his sword. "I'll make sure to bleed you dry now."

"Won't fall for that trick again, bella." Finding an opening, Squalo managed to give a powerful slash, freeing his sword from Veronna's daggers and making her flinch. At first, it seemed like nothing happened... Until her mask was cut in half, and blood started to drip from her forehead, revealing her face to him. Not only that, the same slash left some cuts on her dress. "Look what we have here... A bleeding mess."

If there was something on Veronna's mind right now, it is how she was fighting to not succumb to her frenzy. It seemed like Squalo completely forgot what happened a few nights ago, probably still thinking about his defeat instead of the opponent in front of him. But making her bleed? He shouldn't have done that.

Her pupils sharpened in anger, and she darted towards her target with ludicrous speed, aiming for a direct attack. Squalo knew pretty well what that meant, the memories of their first battle still fresh on his mind. Assuming his fighting stance once more, he was ready to parry her attack... Until she disappeared from his sight.

"What the--" He didn't have time to think, since the adrenaline of the battle took over. Veronna rose from his blind spot, her amethyst eyes shining in frenzy, twirling her daggers and aiming for his throat. Not only that, some droplets of blood that were left in the air assumed the form of small blades, making sure he'd be hit by all directions. He could be a well-trained assassin, but the ferocity in her voice made him shiver. A feeling he thought was lost long ago.

"...Danza Sanguine." That was one of Veronna's signature techniques, where she can use her blood to create small blades, aiming for all directions until reaching the center, giving almost no time for reaction. Once in the range of the blood, or her daggers, it was pretty much over.

For a few seconds, there was an eerie silence. Something else happened during Veronna's attack, but she was pretty sure that she succeeded. However, the redhead underestimated Squalo's skills and how he had such a quick reaction to her attack. And in the end, his sword clenched once more with her daggers, aside from the small blood blades successfully making numerous cuts on his upper body. But that feeling... Of being stunned... It could only mean one thing.

"...Attacco di Squalo."

In the end, he had to choose between parrying Veronna and getting hit by the other blades, or simply focus on them, risking getting hit by a fatal blow. And it seemed like his instincts were right. Veronna was paralyzed. Unable to move her arms, and with her Sai clutched on his blade. But her frenzy state gave her an extra perk. Seeing that her target was bleeding, it was a perfect opportunity. Leaning in with a strength that was rather inhuman, the redhead reached for his right shoulder, her lips finding his flesh and breaking it with her fangs, drawing a bit of blood.

"Gah! You damned diavola!" Squalo cursed, not believing in the scene he was witnessing, and not to mention the pain of her bite. Veronna's body should be paralyzed, so how was she able to move? Then, he remembered. The ferocity in her eyes. The same one that defies death every time their blades clash. Now he could understand why she was known... As the Devil of Venice. Not only that, said move also made Veronna escape from his own counter-attack, licking her lips in satisfaction.

"My, my... The blood of a peccatore. Delightful." A devilish smirk formed on Veronna's lips, while the effects of drawing Squalo's blood slowly started to affect her. The redhead was able to move her arms once more, daggers in hand, ready to strike again. She seemed almost... Inhuman. No wonder why many unfortunate souls never managed to take her life. And now, she was at her full strength, taking the lead of their heated battle.

"Hey... So you're like a hellish vampira, huh? Better watch my neck, then." Even at a disadvantage, Squalo didn't lose the chance to mock Veronna once more. That was a lucky move, though. He was pretty confident in his skills, and it would be pretty satisfying to break her in the end.

"Is it because of my fangs? Rude." Veronna scoffed, not liking that comparison in the slightest. In fact, it was a mix of coincidences. She was born with natural fangs, being a child brought to this world with a curse, courtesy of the Stregheria. Her perks with blood were also part of said curse, but she managed to turn it into her own weapon in battles. Something that turned her into the assassin she is. "Let's end this stupid chase."

Once more, their blades clashed. And now, Squalo could see the ferocious features of Veronna while parrying her vicious attacks. She was wild, untamed. And now... Even more dangerous. But she wouldn't be victorious. He was the most powerful swordsman from the Mafia. Numerous blades were broken by his own. And with Veronna it would be no different. Something was clear in his mind - He'd be the winner. She was nothing but a target.

Their blades kept engaged in combat, with powerful and skilled moves from both sides. Jumping through the buildings and rooftops, and only with the full moon as their witness. Reaching a place that was surrounded by the waterways, that was the place chosen by the climax of their battle.

"You're mine!!!" The redhead shouted, before her last attack got parried. Ferocious amethyst eyes were focused on her prey, until something made her stop. She felt her body getting heavy, and her frenzied state was fading. That never happened, and Veronna was bleeding as well. What was going on?

Then, she felt her body paralyzing. Feeling her own blood flow getting slower by the second. That didn't make sense for Veronna. She was not only bleeding, but also managed to draw Squalo's blood. She was supposed to be more sturdy, instead... She felt like her own body was shutting down, unable to control herself. Not only that, even Squalo's heartbeat, that she could hear from a distance... The sound was fading away. And he took that as an opportunity. Without thinking twice, he darted towards Veronna, ready for the fatal blow.

A sound of broken flesh echoed. Veronna's hands dropped the daggers on the ground, while she was on the edge of a rooftop. And Squalo's sword, once more, impaled her, being tainted by her own blood. It felt like karma, being hit twice by the same weapon... And exactly like the first time. But now... Veronna didn't have the upper hand.

"You're done, Devil of Venezia." 

Squalo was holding Veronna's limp body using his free arm, since she was still trapped by his own blade. But now, the ferocity that she would usually show after being wounded... It simply didn't happen. She was a tough opponent, and he respected that. However, it would be a matter of time until his skills proved that he was, in fact, superior.

Veronna couldn't help but to look at his predatory silver eyes, unable to move a single muscle. She hated that feeling. Of being defeated, unable to strike back. Not only that, her senses were slowly fading. Seeing that Veronna was on the brink of death, Squalo remembered what she did when they fought for the first time - Impaled by his own blade, licking his lips tainted by his own blood. Kind of an unusual kiss worthy of the Devil she was known for. It almost felt like a dèja vu for him.

"Remember the face of the one who claimed your life when you go to hell..." He leaned in slowly, closing the distance until their faces were almost touching, and feeling Veronna's breath on his skin. Now it was time to return the favor, and the silver-haired swordsman was eager to oblige.

"I'll always be better than you."

With that ultimatum, Squalo didn't think twice and clashed his lips on Veronna's, in a rather daring kiss, the same metallic taste of blood lingering on their lips for a while. Perhaps it was a payback for what she did before, or he simply wanted to end their twisted dance in another way, which was strangely poetic. But little he knew that Veronna was still conscious. She couldn't believe it... To be humiliated in such a way. But at least, Squalo's mission was done, and he managed to take down the Devil of Venice. 

Withdrawing his sword, he let Veronna's body fall freely until she landed on one of the waterways. Looking at her daggers, Squalo thought of taking them as a trophy, but for some reason... He decided to respect Veronna as a skilled fighter in the end. If Venice was her hometown... May the waters carry her final wishes. He took the daggers and threw them on the same waterway where Veronna's body fell, leaving him with only the memories of their battles - And Veronna's blood tainting his blade.

"Arrivederci, Veronna."

Meanwhile, a mysterious figure who was watching the aftermath of the battle from the shadows, finally decided to take action. Finding Veronna's body who got carried away by the water, and by a strike of luck, finding her weapons as well, they took the wounded assassin to a secluded alley. Making a cut on their hand, they let some drops of blood fall on Veronna's mouth, hoping that trick would work. Minutes passed, and no reaction. Then, all of a sudden, the redhead gasped, searching for air. She was breathing with a little bit of effort, however... Once again, the Devil of Venice managed to trick death.

And looking at her savior, wearing a typical Carnival attire, and a Serval mask... There was no doubt. Widening her eyes in surprise, Veronna couldn't say more.

"...Alessio... Is that you?"