Note: Unedited.

Hello! Apologies for the late update. But would like to take this opportunity to thank all the readers, reviewers and followers of this story!

Also, I'd like to take this opportunity to also answer Amu4ever's review. S/he said really a lot and I felt happy because it's a first I got a review this long and so detailed (lol). I felt the need to address it as an AN here for others to note of my reply as well.

First, the 'En' meant 'Yes.' Sorry, it was a common expression on the different novels I've read that I kinda adopted it here. Didn't realise it would appear confusing to some readers.

Secondly, I'll try to amend the 'hahas' and the '...', but the latter was meant to indicate a period of silence, either an awkward one or to illustrate a point. But, yes, I'll tone it down. I also did realise I might've overdone it in the past chaps. But I'll prolly put that editing last, and focus first on the building. Thank you for noticing... and hopefully, for understanding!

Also, I'll put it here 'cause it ain't really that much of a spoiler but yes, Elena here is the exact same Elena in the canon world. :)

I have much in store for everyone, and you'll know from this chapter that I'll be mixing a lot of the characters and plot. So, yes, Lambo might or might not be Tsuna's lightning guardian. I plan on putting this as a legit adventure-fantasy world where it won't just simply follow canon but still holds some semblance to the original plot. I hope you'll enjoy! :D

Title: The Parallel Rainbow

Arc 2. The Magic School of Syrion, First Year

Chapter 2.1. The Beginning

Location: Syrion, circa 806

— In the eyes of a random stranger, mob character A —

It was high noon when a large, extravagant carriage pulled by hippogriffs entered the southern gates of the Syrion capital. If this was the rurals like where I lived before, a lot of them folks and children would've stopped by now and gathered 'round it. And perhaps offer a grand welcoming or somethin', despite not really knowin' who sits inside. Too bad this is Syrion, not one even bothered to look at it as if it's an everyday thing (well, maybe except me). Folks here don't care really care who's who, and frankly, 'tis one of the good things 'round here. No judgmental gazes or anythin' like that.

"Would'ya look at that, son of that Vongola fella is finally here. 'Ya think he gonna clash with that marshmallow kid?"

My brows knit and I looked 'round. Only after confirming only them folks were near us did I finally sighed in relief.

"'You lucky the authorities ain't here. 'Ya would'a be thrown behind bars again for addressing a king that way."

"Hah! 'Ya think I cared 'bout that?"

I chuckled on his behalf, but I know... this bloke really cared, if that sweat goin' down that bald head of his is any indication. He knew we both ain't that privileged to simply walk away after bein' thrown behind bars. And a life behind bars literally sucked. Don't ask. Not really a good memory to recall. Haaah... this bastard, really.

The man, my best friend — that guy I just called mob character B and a bastard — stood silently beside me, munching the cold bread from yesterday. We both grew from the rurals of Ljos, before we decided to move 'round here a few years back. Around five years ago, maybe? Lost count. T'was, well, after our families literally left us and went up to them clouds. Syrion was supposed to help us earn a better coin or somethin' like that. And it did. Somewhat. Lots of opportunities here, no doubt. But it wasn't that easy. Man, who would'a expect the kinda voodoo security they have here. 'Ya literally have no escape from them cops.

"'Ya really think though that lass gonna make a name 'round here?"

"Didn't he already made one, you mean?" And I know. Despite pretendin' to not care, a lot of them people were startin' to give the carriage a side glance.

"Yeah... but that won't sit well with that guy."

"Hn." I shrugged and grunted in reply. I honestly don't care who the lad butts head with, though I'm sure 'tis gonna be a sight. Sure thing that blonde kid from Vongola is hella famous. If you listen well to rumours, even the nobles from Syrion cannot turn a blind eye on him. Constantly being a hot topic, from subduing a greater beast last week to slaying a giant the next. It makes me wonder if the kid ever rests.

But that Vongola kid ain't alone in being popular. There are 'round... lemme see... seven? Eight? Of them lads makin' a name for themselves at such a young age. Makes 'ya do a double take at your own life, huh? And most of them enterin' that school at this time too. T'is such a strange coincidence even a brainless bloke like me (and yeah, I ain't denyin' it) feel like somethin's 'bout to happen. Somethin' big or whatever. Bet even the technocrats are preppin' for it. Again, don't ask. If you lived the street life for so long, 'ya get to have this gut feel on those kinda things.

I stole the last piece of bread from B and munched it myself just as the carriage passed us.

"Wha-! That was my last piece, 'ya bastard!" he slapped my head. A good thing I got a hard one.

"Well, at least 'ya even got somethin'," I laughed. "Hey, you think we could make friends with that Vongola kiddo? Heard he's a good guy. Maybe he gonna pity on us and give us money"

"Hah! That is if marshmallow kid don't leave him cryin' the first day and have him runnin' back to Vongola."

"Didna know you were pickin' on a side already?"

"Am not. Just sayin'. That lad maybe famous but I doubt he learns how the real world works. Prolly just munchin' on them beasts and books, but really no experience on the political side'a things if 'ya get me."

"Wow! As if a bloke like you also got experience."

B shrugged. "Like I said. Just sayin'."

"We'll just hafta see then."

As the carriage turned left on a corner and towards the direction of that school, a few of them folks already startin' to gossip now. They prolly already realised the importance of the kid on that carriage.

"..."

Eight lasses, huh? To be honest, rather than the marshmellow guy, was actually kinda wonderin' how he'll fare with that wonder kid from the rumours. That kid who suddenly appeared from nowhere. I guess this'll be a fun year to watch.

=.=.=.

— Sawada Tsunayoshi —

The Syrion capital was surprisingly quiet as we entered and passed by, sans the usual crowd noise at high noon of course. None of the Syrians even came to block the road unlike the provincial areas we previously passed by. The ride up to the academy was too smooth, it didn't even woke Reborn from his nap. From what had happened so far, you'd almost think he'd go in first to scout the area... but Reborn's been pretty quiet and slept since we got near the gates. It was a huge contrast from the slightly panicky Osamu. Haha.

The academy wasn't that far, a mere hour trip or two from the Southern gates. Even though Syrion is a flourishing country, and a big one at that, most of its lands are untouched and still covered in trees. Hence, even though the school is literally located within the Syrion forests, it still isn't that far from the capital. And the other towns aren't that far off either.

Halfway through the ride, six roads converge on a circular intersection and I'm starting to see other carriages coming in from a distance (I had the curtains folded up the moment we left the capital. It's stuffy to have it down all the time, y'know). There were three of them so far — two from the road right next to us, probably the southwest and another one from our right, the east.

Syrion had five different gates in total. One to grant an easy access on each of the other kingdoms. From the looks of it, these carriages probably carry students like me, and are headed towards magic school.

"The red one is from an allied family of Vongola," Osamu observed. I mentally nodded in approval. He had grown so much these past few years. I should give him credit for that.

Vongola Tempesta, huh? If I'm not mistaken. My eyes naturally followed the Vongola insignia on its side, but rather than a bullet on its shield, the centre symbol was that of a storm and the crown on top was replaced by a shell. My brows knit. Whoever is inside was supposedly a top candidate for being one of my "vassals," as Reborn had put it — considered a top genius and an expert marksman, the only son and heir of Vongola Tempesta of my age. I have interacted with the Earl before, the sixteenth and current ruler of House Tempesta, on one of my uncle's birthday parties, but have never seen his son.

"I heard a lot of rumours about him — that temperamental kid," Osamu gave the carriage a side glance. Our rides are still about to meet at the intersection, so there were still some considerable distance between us. We probably won't be heard... maybe. It'd be trouble if we were. "Sometimes his hotheadedness far exceeded his ingenuity, which earned him his title of Tempered Storm. Although he is from Vongola, I... I am not sure if it will be that easy to have him on our side."

I raised a brow. It was the first time I've heard Osamu doubt on something. Then again, he also had a point on that.

In the past years, the de Tempesta family had a long history with the Vongolan monarchs. Their rulers either served as a guardian or an adviser to the throne. But ever since two generations ago, the former Earl was said to have resigned from his guardian duties and decided to step back before retreating to Hadari instead, a far-off town near the Lake of Void, bordering the country to that of Eldingar on the southwest. There was no official reason or statement as to why, but because of that, there were rumours that spread of a change in the de Tempesta's allegiance.

"...I also heard he never lost a battle."

I turned back to Osamu. Reborn was now awake and staring at me, smirking. He probably already understood what's been running on my mind.

"I'll just have to wish you luck then, Young Master Ieyasu!"

Osamu grinned and gave a thumbs up. I sighed.

"..."

Right behind the red carriage was the familiar cerulean one, with the insignia of a dolphin leaping in front of a half moon, on its sides. Abelion and Hadari are relatively near each other, so it's not a coincidence they'd come together. I only hoped Basil is well now, after the injuries he sustained from that battle a month ago. Naito said he wouldn't be back adventuring until after a year, school must've been the real reason. I actually almost forgot we'd be entering at the same year. Well, at least it's a bit of a relief knowing I'd at least know one in school.

As to the one on our right... It's supposedly the direction of Millefiore, but I don't recognise the insignia on its doors — a crossed sword of black and white. Rather than the Millefioran royalty, I reckon it's probably from one of its noble houses instead. Hn. Wait, let me just try to remember...

"Master Ieyasu-!"

At Osamu's warning, I duck in time a fireball came hurling from the opened window. I turned towards Reborn's direction, but as expected he was gone. I scoffed. That madman tutor is probably already out there somewhere, observing.

The fireball attacks did not stop. By this point, we've already gone past the intersection and running on a narrow valley. At first I thought this was some form of test from the Tempesta, or an enemy attack from the east, but it would be impossible from this terrain, not when the two carriages are a fair distance behind us as well. Moreover, the attacks came from the thick forest uphill on both sides. Hence, lest the passengers from both vehicles alighted ways ago to stage this ambush, I believe a third party isn't that much of a stretch either. I immediately wore my gloves and went to Hyper Will Mode.

"Osamu, stay here." I instructed. He is still not in the best condition to fight.

I was about to freeze the incoming fireball, but it was cut in half before I even could. I left from the window.

"Be careful, Master Ieyasu!"

"...En."

=.=.=.

"Ieyasu-dono," Basil did a slight nod as he stood on top of our carriage, his boomerang on his side.

"Thanks," I said, and looked around. Nine. I counted nine mystery assailants, evenly spread out and hiding behind a tree. I ordered the coachman to just keep our carriage running. Hippogriffs are trained in the art of war after all, and don't easily panic. Therefore, I believe so long as we aren't hit, we will be fine.

"I came as fast as I could. Anyway, any reason they'd be attacking you, Ieyasu-dono?" I shrugged.

"To give me a warm welcome?" I chuckled. God, my humour's becoming dry through the ages. "But nine? That's too much of an effort, don't you think so too, Basil?" My brows knit. Just as another ball came flying towards us, "Zero Point Breakthrough!" I froze it midflight and punched it back.

"That must've explained why they stick with the fire-works!"

Basil let his boomerang fly and sliced the incoming fireballs. "True! They really lacked creativity this time. Keep the carriage safe for me, please!"

"En."

I jumped from the carriage and propelled myself to the nearest attacker. It was a young kid... well, probably a bit older relative to my current age right now, but still clearly a student. I sidestepped just as he materialised a fireball and aimed it where I originally was. "Why are you doing this?" I asked. Then again, judging from the intensity of his gaze, I reckon he isn't exactly the talking type.

Haaaaah. This is really... sad. Before I could even get to the academy, someone already wants me dead. No, probably not dead. These "men", students rather, whoever the mastermind sent was kinda poor, obviously sloppy. In any case, they're probably just here either to warn... or test me.

I swooped and moved behind the kid's back. Putting just the right amount of force, I hit a nerve on his nape, paralysing him for the meantime.

"Flame-"

WHOOSH!

"-Arrow!"

BOOM!

I looked behind, in time an arrow pierced another incoming fireball and blew it up in the distant. I turned where the arrow came from... Then, I couldn't help but freeze. Hair like the shape of tako, but... red? And... A flame tattoo on his right cheek? Hayato?!

Mob character A and B will be appearing every now and then, either for comic relief or to provide a 3rd person non-main character opinion. Unlike the first arc, this arc and so on will be written under the POV of Tsuna (unless stated otherwise). It's to... some sort of limit also the reader's knowledge to that of what Tsuna only knows. Gotta keep my cards close starting now. :))