Belief

Disclaimer: I do not own Katekyo Hitman Reborn

Prologue: One Day Without Hope

It all happened in a blink of an eye. As if in one intake of breath, the world around a cheerful brunet suddenly changed.

"Okaa-san? Okaa-san?" The little boy cried out. He had been told to stay with his friends, Sasagawa Kyoko and Sasagawa Ryohei; and that no matter what he saw, what he heard, he was not to leave their house.

At that time, a confused brunet simply smiled at his mother as he was led away by the Sasagawas. But he could never forget that strained smile she gave as she went to answer the rough pounding coming from the other side of the door. He would never forget the sadness in her eyes as she tried to remain strong for her only child.

The boy became more confused, wondering why she hadn't come with him. But that soon changed as he peered out the window from the Sasagawa residence.

Why? Why was his mother being dragged by the hair?

Who were those men dressed in black that were hurting his mother?

Why was she crying? Won't we see each other again?

I love you too, okaa-san...

Tears fell from both mother and child as they began to realize something was about to change in their lives forever.

A single echo resounded as one bullet penetrated his mother's skull. He helplessly looked through the window as her eyes became hollow. Her cheerful smile was, and forever would be, gone.

And finally, as if to signal the conflicting emotions in the young boy's heart, the house he loved with the memories he knew was set ablaze by the men clad in black.

Even as they pulled him back from the window, the little boy knew nothing was going to be the same.

"Okaa-san!" He shrieked.

"Tsuna-kun! Wake up, please!" A frantic voice called as she tried to wake the thrashing boy from his stupor.

Tsuna abruptly opened his eyes and took in the scene before him. Sasagawa Kyoko stood in front of him with worry marring her face. He took notice of the room before him. There were no toys and no tuna fish wallpaper. There was nothing to signal that this was his room. It was just an empty room with a single bed.

"Tsuna-kun?" Kyoko worriedly asked as she bit her upper lip.

"Gomen, Kyoko." He said to try to reassure her, although he dare not look at her.

"It happened again, didn't it?" She simply said, slightly turning away to give the boy time to compose himself.

"Ah." He muttered, sighing once and wiping his tears away before finally turning to her.

"Kyoko," he began.

"Un, well look at the time!" Kyoko yelled mildly while slapping her cheeks and gave a bright smile. "Come on Tsuna-kun! Breakfast is going to be cold!" And before Tsuna had time to react, he was already being dragged by the hand and into the kitchen.

"Extreeeeme!" An older teen bustled through the kitchen door as he yelled at the top of his lungs. Tsuna and Kyoko looked at each other before shaking their heads. It seemed that with everything going around them he stayed as cheerful as always... at least he tried.

"Onii-chan!" They both cried out. During these times, it was always best to keep quiet with your head down.

"Ah, I'm extremely sorry! So what's for breakfast?" The teen quickly apologized before holding a plastic bag in front of the two.

"Hana is extremely kind. It looks like we'll be eating well for dinner!" He exclaimed with a big smile.

"Hana-chan?" Kyoko curiously wondered as she raised a brow. Since when did he become so familiar with her best friend? "Onii-chan don't tell me you...and Hana..." She began giggling. When she thought about it more carefully, the two of them would be a wonderful idea. Her best friend and her brother…

"What! No… I…" Ryohei's big smile quickly changed as he turned, but Tsuna couldn't help but chuckle as he noticed a slight blush tinted across Ryohei's cheeks.

"Breakfast!' Ryohei exclaimed. "Come on! We can't let it get cold!" Kyoko and Tsuna shook their heads as they attempted to suppress the laughter already making its way out of their mouths.

Even if the world was a mess, although they really had no one to rely on, at least for a few seconds they could have minuscule moments where they could have true happiness. However, even these moments couldn't count as true happiness because they always came with a price.

Sawada Tsunayoshi was afraid of many things. Most people laughed at him and mocked him for his apparent dame-ness, but he really could care less. From chihuahuas to a spider, these were some of the things he was known to fear. But there were two things he feared the most and as of this moment, one of his greatest fears came from a rough pound at the door.

"Open up! Sasagawa Ryohei, by order of the Black Spell, you have ten seconds to answer the door!" A gruff voice barked as the knocking intensified.

All forks dropped and all noise ceased as Sasagawa Ryohei slowly excused himself from his chair.

"Ah, Kyoko that was a wonderful meal!" He patted his stomach as he forced a grin. "Looks like it's back to work."

"Don't go!" Tsuna cried out as he grabbed Ryohei's shirt. Kyoko knew too well where her brother was going even if he lied. If he said he was going to a Sumo tournament, she knew the truth. She could only cover her face with her hands as the tears flowed through the cracks.

"Please, it's… not fair!" Tsuna pleaded once more, no longer caring as the tears fell and his vision blurred. "Please."

"Gomen Tsuna, but we have to live... this is all I can do." Ryohei whispered as his façade shattered. It was for a moment, but Tsuna couldn't help but let go as he heard these sad words. He tried grasping his brother's shirt, but Ryohei used this moment to go for the door and seconds later he was gone.

Tsuna couldn't help but wonder what would be of his life if he still had his mother, or his father if that was of any use. Nowadays people were broken families. They were separated on a daily basis and forming family units with complete strangers wasn't uncommon.

Tsuna needed to breathe. He needed a sanctuary. He needed to get out.

"Reborn, come closer. I have something to tell you." An elderly man lay sickly on his bed while breathing irregularly. An infant wearing a suit with a fedora hopped onto the chair that was placed beside the bed.

"What is it Nono?" Reborn looked at his boss with a worried glance. A hacking cough came from the man as he lay still on his bed once it was over.

"Reborn, I trust you greatly and I know that you will never betray me. That is why I want you to do me this one request. I want you to train the one who will succeed me, and the one who will succeed Primo. The next in line to become Vongola Decimo is also the only hope this world has. He is in Namimori, Japan and his name is Sawada Tsunayoshi. Tsuna is only a young teenager yet possesses innocence this world lacks. Please, I want you to bring the Vongola rings to him and guide him to change this world back into what it used to be."

Reborn's fedora lowered to shadow his eyes. Without even speaking, Nono knew what he was going to say. "I promise to find and tutor Tsuna. I promise that I will continue trying to return the world back into the way it was until the day I die."

Nono gave Reborn a gentle smile as his head sank further into the pillow. His eyes closed slowly and with one final breath he spoke, "Thank you."

Reborn continued to stand beside his boss for a few minutes. He raised his head to have one final look at Nono and then left to start the request.

"Sawada Tsunayoshi, eh. Prepare yourself."

This world... hasn't anyone decided to stand up for the abused? Why hasn't anyone acted? These questions were invading Tsuna's thoughts ever since he rushed out of their house. Tsuna felt guilty as he remembered the distraught Kyoko. Sure he had called Hana to check on her, but he was sure he was going to get the scolding of his life when he got home.

But right now he needed to breathe.

Tsuna walked slowly while being deep in thought. One hand held the bag, which contained the dinner he managed to grab when he rushed out, and the other hung limply by his side. The setting sun was shining on him and his hair was turning golden-brown because of it. The teen hung his head and his bangs shadowed his face.

He walked quickly and quietly. To his left and his right the men clad in black, the Black Spell, stood. They were known as the foot soldiers for the Millefiore Family and usually did all the dirty work. Tsuna felt their piercing glares on his back waiting, expecting for something to happen. Those who were weak-willed eventually became anxious and made a mistake. This happened everyday and to everyone. However, Tsuna felt that maybe he never did anything because he was such a coward. He felt ashamed, but his fear and his cowardice kept him alive.

Soon within his reach was the park. Ever since the Millefiore took over, things had changed and had taken a turn for the worse. The park thankfully had been left alone; and since everyone was too busy working to survive, no one bothered finding time to relax. Or maybe no one remembered how. But here… here was Tsuna's sanctuary.

Tsuna placed one hand on the gate and pushed it open. A small creak was heard from the lack of use. When Tsuna raised his head, he saw someone. Much to his surprise, it was an infant. He raised a brow, babies. How long since he had heard one, much less saw one? It was decreed by the White Spell department that all infants should be brought to the labs and tested for flames. No, Tsuna couldn't remember when was the last time he saw an infant.

The infant looked up from his seat on the bench and watched cautiously at the brunet walking towards him. His shape-shifting chameleon, Leon, was sitting on his hand. In just a moment's notice, Leon would change into a gun when the teen would show a hint of danger.

Tsuna didn't understand the gesture but knew the baby was being wary around him. Either way, he sat down beside the infant and placed his bag on his lap. He opened the paper bag and brought out a takoyaki, gesturing it at the mysterious infant next to him.

"I've seen too many people die from starvation. I don't want to see you dead on the ground tomorrow morning." There was barely a hint of warmth in that statement; it was almost as if the teen was simply stating a fact. If the infant could put a name to the emotion that circled around those caramel eyes, it would be melancholy.

The infant raised an eyebrow at the statement and continued to watch the brunet. He held the takoyaki in one hand while Leon was in the other. Tsuna brought out another one and started to eat it. He raised his head to watch the setting sun while waiting for nightfall.

The infant cautiously held his takoyaki as he eyed the brunet. Finally he took one bite after waiting for the brunet to do the same. He could never be too cautious. Right now he was on a mission; but with Namimori filled with Byakuran's lapdogs, he had no choice but to wait. Strangely enough, the park was the only desolate place he could find; and even if it was brief, it was the only safe place. He suppressed an urge to snort at the irony by breathing through his nose. He needed answers and maybe this teen could be of use.

"What is your name?"

The brunet blinked out of his thoughts and looked back down to the infant. He finished swallowing before speaking. "Tsuna. And what about you?"

From a snort to a snicker, this was just too interesting. "Reborn." He tipped his fedora. So it's him, he thought. "Tsuna, as in Sawada Tsunayoshi?"

Tsuna blinked again and this time he became a bit wary. "Yeah. Are you looking for me?"

Tsuna would have sworn that he saw the baby smirk. A shiver was sent down his back as he saw Reborn's eyes. Something was about to happen.

"We need a more private place to talk. Bring me to your house and I will explain." The brunet became more suspicious of the baby. Maybe this was a trick of the Millefiore: to use a baby to lure in the naïve ones so they would be captured and used for experiments. The motto "never trust anyone" would be beaten into him and he did not want that.

Tsuna stood up from his seat and started to back away from the baby. Reborn noticed this and decided on a different approach. "This might involve your father, Iemitsu."

Tsuna paled at hearing his father's name. Why does this baby know about my father? Quickly the fear in his eyes turned into anger. His emotions bubbled inside of him and he tried to refrain from shouting at the infant.

"What do you know about my father? Do you know where he is?" His anger quickly subsided as his voice quivered in desperation. Tsuna couldn't keep being angry with his father for leaving as his worry dominated his emotions. Reborn noticed the change of the indifferent look on Tsuna's face to anger and then to worry. This was definitely the Sawada Tsunayoshi Nono wanted him to find.

"You don't want him to be further endangered do you? Guards could be roaming around here soon and they would be able to hear precious information on him." Reborn watched Tsuna's emotions fluctuate; it was easy to read his thoughts through his eyes.

Should I trust him? He seems to know about my dad, but he could be lying. This could be a test set up by the Millefiore; and if I bring him home, Kyoko-chan and Onii-san would be in danger. But he is just a baby so if anything happens I can just fight back; after all I should be stronger than a baby. But I don't want to hurt him if that happens. What should I do?

Tsuna looked into Reborn's eyes and saw understanding held within them only to flash away a second later. Whenever a choice like this happened Tsuna would follow his gut instincts. So far he didn't feel too afraid and endangered around Reborn. He also sensed no ill will towards him, so that was a good thing.

"Fine. Follow me." Tsuna let out a sigh and turned around. Right now he was going to take a chance; if Reborn really meant no harm, then he would learn more of his father and anything else the infant wanted to tell him. If Reborn were actually a part of a trick, then not only he but also Kyoko and Ryohei would be in trouble. Reborn hopped off the bench and walked towards Tsuna.

"How will you be able to get me to your house without the guards noticing?" Reborn also had to remain cautious around the brunet; he did not know for sure that this was Iemitsu's son or someone who was pretending to be him. After all, Reborn was infamous and the Millefiore was sure to recognize him. They could have sent an actor that would lower his guard and then strike when he became vulnerable, not saying that he was ever vulnerable.

"Simple, we'll just be under their noses and they'll never notice."

A dark corridor with barely any light lay in front of them. The only light source was the candle with the tiny flame that appeared to be nearing its end. Tsuna walked steadily in the dark with one hand still holding the bag that held his dinner. Reborn was walking alongside the brunet with Leon still on his hand. He was cautious, ready to act if anything dangerous came. He would glance at his surroundings but his eyes were focused on the brunet.

Tsuna felt a pair of eyes on him but ignored it; it was probably Reborn. Walking down this path was nostalgic but it did not bring back fond memories. The last time he came down here was just like what was happening now. He had to escape from the park and return home; at that time he had his father with him while his mother was at home. He remembered gunshots and harsh shouts before setting off hurriedly with his father. At the time he didn't comprehend the seriousness the situation should be credited with. But he was still scared.

When Tsuna had returned home, his father left him with his mother, saying that he would come back again. The young child had believed his father's words, so he was not as frightened. However that was the last time he saw his father and the rest as they say, well that would be for another day.

Abruptly, Tsuna stopped in his tracks and so did his memory. Reborn paused and observed the teen. Tsuna turned to his right and pressed his hand on the wall; he slid his hand down until he felt the presence of a doorknob. Taking a deep breath he turned the knob and pulled it towards him. A creak reverberated throughout the area and the brunet walked inside. Reborn followed suit and closed the door behind him.

Up the stairs they went and Tsuna blew out the candle. There was no need for it since it would die out anyway. Another door awaited them and the brunet pulled it open with no hesitation this time.

The warm air and the smell of delicious food lingered about. Tsuna allowed himself to smile at the comforting atmosphere; this didn't go unnoticed by Reborn. The brunet walked into the kitchen where he could see Kyoko and Ryohei eating silently. The sound of tapping came from Tsuna's feet and Kyoko moved her gaze towards the brunet. A surprised but happy smile crossed her face, and Ryohei turned around to see Tsuna.

"Sawada, when did you get here? I did not hear the front door open." Tsuna suppressed a laugh; Ryohei was still the same. Although he had to admit he was happy that they decided to ignore his little act from the morning. He just hoped they weren't too upset. The infant took to observing Tsuna's interaction with the other two residents of the room.

"Ara? Tsuna-kun, who is this baby beside you?" Kyoko pointed her finger at the infant. Tsuna sighed; now was the time to learn more of his father's whereabouts.

"His name is Reborn; I found him at the park by himself. Apparently he was searching for me." Tsuna looked at the two siblings and saw them tense with worry. "He's still an infant so don't hurt him even if you're suspicious. Treat him as a guest until he has given reason to do otherwise."

Nods came from both of them and Tsuna smiled gently in return. Kyoko smiled at both Tsuna and Reborn; lately the brunet didn't smile as often or as bright as he used to. It was because it was that time of year again, the day when Tsuna's whole world turned for the worst.

"I want to talk to Tsuna privately; after that he can tell you two as much as he wants." Tsuna turned around and motioned for the infant to follow him. They went up another flight of stairs that reached to the brunet's room. Inside they went and sat around the table placed in the middle of the bare room.

"So, why were you searching for me?" Tsuna didn't want to prolong the questions. If Reborn had all the answers, it would be one less thing off his mind.

Reborn sat in front of Tsuna with dark eyes observing the brunet's movements. "Have you heard of the Vongola?"

"Yeah. It was the most powerful Mafia Family until the Millefiore destroyed it. Now the survivors are being targeted along with any allies. The Vongola Purge, they call it." Tsuna stared confusedly at the infant. What does the Vongola have to do with him?

"The Vongola Family was destroyed in the middle of Nono's time. The Vongola had ended. Or that was what was believed. There is one person who has the blood of the Vongola and that person will become the next leader: Vongola Decimo. That person is you."

Reborn waited patiently for the brunet to act. Shock and surprise was visible on Tsuna's face. He didn't expect that to happen; he didn't even know how to react. "H-how is that possible?"

"You are a direct descendant of Vongola Primo, Giotto. He is your great-great-great-grandfather. Vongola Nono sent me to Japan to train you to succeed the Vongola. If you are to do that, you will have to defeat the Millefiore."

A/N:Yay first chapter out! I hope everyone has enjoyed. It might not be the same as Koyuki11's version but I hope everyone has enjoyed it just the same. :)

Thank you Koyuki11 for betaing this chapter and the rest to follow!

R&R