Goodbye, Paradisa.

[not_mafia]

Ino,

Guess you weren't probably expecting to get a letter from me, huh? Yeah, I never had the foresight to write it as a kid, so I figured I'd make use of my time while I'm on this loss to write these. Hopefully, they won't have to be delivered for some time... But considering you've been here already-- wasn't it six years, now? And it's only been a year for me... Well, I guess what I'm trying to say is, odds are I'll be leaving sooner than you are.

Ino... thank you, so much. For inspiring confidence in me, for believing in me, and for pushing me and encouraging me. Thank you, for taking me into your home along with the others. I know around the time we first met, the castle messed with us and made us think we were family, when we weren't.

But... the truth is, I never really did stop seeing you as a big sister. I looked up to you a lot, and even though I've grown... I still do. Blood or no, you're family to me.

I'm truly sorry that I've left. I know it must be hard on you, and wear you down, for people to keep leaving and for you to be the one left behind. But if it's one thing I've learned, you're strong. Amazingly strong. And I'm not just saying that because I've seen you punch craters into walls. I don't need to say this, because I know you won't, but: Don't give up, Ino. Don't ever give up. Keep on fighting... and show that damn castle you're not afraid of it, and that you will do whatever it takes to beat it.

I hope, one day, somehow, even if neither of us remember each other... that we are able to meet again.

Until then, you think you can hold onto that coat you made me? I couldn't imagine a better welcome back present than that. Given that I'm the same age if I return, of course.

I hope we meet again,
Tsuna.

[Written in smaller, almost shy letters:] I love you, big sis.

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Zelos,

Hey, it's me. You know, that infuriating rule-follower student? Well, I'm on my loss now, since I'd never get around to writing these as a kid.

You know... as a kid, I really wanted nothing more than to prove myself to you. The harder you trained me, the harder you were on me, the more I wanted to impress you. The more I wanted to... make you proud. I'm still not totally sure I ever did.

And somehow, I can imagine you side-eying this letter right now, wondering what you ever did to get so much admiration from me. If our roles were reversed-- though I couldn't imagine how they could be, haha!-- I'd be thinking the same thing. But, you know, I think that's a big part of it. I've always had a strong kinship with you, in the way we've been thrown into these destinies that we never wanted, dealing with people who scorned us without even knowing us, and being put up to do things we thought were impossible for any one person to do... let alone us. I think I knew that as a kid, even if it was only on a subconscious level.

Zelos... we can do it. I know those things seem impossible, but remember, we're not alone. You and I both have invaluable friends who will watch our backs, who will charge fearlessly into battle with us... who believe in us completely. I know we both have days when we feel like we're failing everyone, when we're not good enough. When we're no-good, or when we're idiots.

On those days, trust your friends. Trust your friends with your life. Believe them. They know there's good in us, and that we can do it, even when we're too blind to see it ourselves.

Believe me.

I know you can do it.

And thank you, for putting up with me. It means... a lot. I'm giving my daggers to you, including the ones you've given me. If someone's ever in need of a weapon, like I once was, you know what to do.

I hope one day we may meet again,
Tsuna.

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Allen,

The more I write these letters, the more that I feel like I should apologize for my fifteen-year old self. I'm pretty sure you know why I'm bringing this up.

And while I apologize for what's happened back then, I do wish that you not lose too much hope, Allen. Seeing you and Ino especially- two people who have been at the castle far longer than anyone would be comfortable with- was really inspiring for me as a kid... and it still inspires me now. Even if the only way we could fight back was to do our best, and see that as few people suffered as possible through the castle's antics.

I know what it's like, to be in what feels like a losing battle. Where your opposition is both overwhelmingly strong and stubbornly set in its ways. But coming back, and seeing the two of you again... has given me the strength I need for when I return back home.

I am sure you already know this, but it's possible that you may not find what you need to defeat the castle in your time there. And perhaps this will continue on for several more years with people stuck in the same situation. But, remember that with your courage and experience that you have the ability to inspire others. That in itself may be even more valuable than the castle's secrets.

But, you do not have to be unshakable. You are allowed to have moments of doubt. That's only human. Though we may waver, I have faith that none of us shall ever truly give up. Not because there is no other option, but because that is who we are.

I'm afraid I've little in the way of possessions to give to you, but could you hold onto my motorbike for me? I'm not sure you'll be able to operate it, given that it runs on an energy source specific to my world, but you can try if you'd like! It works the same as a regular motorbike aside from the energy intake. (Sorry, I really didn't know who else I could give it to. Certainly not Crowley...)

Thank you for everything,
Tsuna.

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Martel,

Hey, it's me... Tsuna. Except, ten years older, since my younger self would've never gotten these goodbye letters written.

I am truly sorry for my departure. I know it was kind of inevitable that I leave before all the veterans did, given that you all had been here so long and will likely continue to do so. I... truly wish that there is some way that I am able to see you all again, and help you. Some way, some how... But I know that it is not likely, if it is even possible, without the castle's influence.

I am sorry.

I will truly miss you, Martel. You have been a great friend... and a good guardian. As a kid, you were one of the people I trusted the most. Now that I am older, I feel much the same.

Up until this point, I have given most everyone words of encouragement. But... I am not sure they will reach them. They are only written letters on a piece of paper. Though I am glad to have meet you all, part of me is deeply upset and saddened by the fact that I may never see any of you again. I am sure that you would understand better than anyone what I mean.

Thank you for being there and supporting me, Martel. For your kind words and gentle touches. You have helped me more than you can possibly know. I'll miss you.

Farewell,
Tsuna.

P.S. Could you check up on my grumpy old house tutor for me? You know how he can get, going off all on his own and getting broody. I've a feeling you already know where to find him.

P.S.S. Please don't tell him I said that about him. I'm sure it'll come back to haunt me some way if you do, magical castle be damned. You haven't known fear until you've been trained by Reborn...

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Once-ler,

I'm afraid your troll-bait's gone. Hopefully you won't feel the absence of someone who is so easy to tease and get riled up too keenly.

There are others who will feel my absence more than you do, and I'm sure you know it. And I'm sure you know who they are, too. Try not to get too fatalistic on them. I mean, I hope you'd be decent enough to know that on your own, but I can't be sure.

Shining vote of confidence aside, I know the people we care about will be hurt. And you can help them. I have learned that even if you don't know what to do... the simple virtue of wanting to help is greatly reassuring and comforting on its own.

I have faith in you.

Goodbye for now,
Tsuna.

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Jane,

Sorry, but it seems like my younger self is no longer with you guys. That is to say, the castle has returned me home.

You have been a good friend, Jane. Thank you for pushing me and supporting me. There is always something comforting in having a friend who will stand by your side no matter what, and push you to do something you hold yourself back from doing out of fear of failure.

Whatever you do, don't forget that kindness. I know that it seems like a silly thing to say, but sometimes, good people get caught up in bad things, and they fear how it may warp others' perception of them. But, as I am sure you know... it doesn't change who that person really is. And you should help them remember that, as you have helped me.

Thank you,
Tsuna.

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Reborn,

I'm headed back home.

Please look after Nonno. I am sure you must have noticed by now... he is quite troubled, and lonely. He does not deserve the pain and suffering that he thinks he does.

I am worried, and now that my younger self is no longer here... I'm afraid to think of what will happen to him.

You know how to push people past their limit. You know how to make them face the things about themselves that they never wanted to. You know how to make them see good in themselves.

He is stubborn, and older... but please, at least try. It is not my order as a boss. It is a request as your student. Just... give him some time first, okay?

I'll see you at home,
Tsuna.

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Nonno,

This is the letter I never wanted to write to you. I've put it off as long as I can, but as much as I hope it won't happen, I can't deny the truth that it might. And I can't leave you without any parting words.

I can't bring myself to scold you, or warn you, or anything of the sort. I've done that enough already... you know how much I worry for you, Nonno. But I think that if I do, you will only fall farther into despair, because you worry you will not be able to do what I ask of you.

Instead, I will say this.

I am so proud of you, Nonno. For as awful as these worlds have been to you, you still offer me hope where you have none. Though you have the weight of the world on your shoulders, you still give me a smile every day that you see me. Even though I am your legacy, and you are constantly reminded that it is because of you that I am in this situation... Even though I am a living embodiment of your guilt, you always welcomed me with open arms.

Thank you. [There are a couple spots where the ink is slightly blurred, where it may have once been wet, but it's long since dried.] Thank you so much. You have no idea how much it means to me.

I cannot and will not be mad at you if you don't have the strength to pull yourself back up. I know things have been hard on you, and that you're both exhausted and frustrated by yourself. I know there are things you have done for which you may never forgive yourself.

It's okay, Nonno. I understand.

And it doesn't make me love you any less. Nothing ever could.

You will always be my beloved grandfather, no matter what.

I love you.
Tsuna.