Beta'd by Pure Red Crane

Chapter 2

In a different universe, Vongola Nono's children would have died one by one and at the end, Xanxus would have revolted against his adopted father upon learning the horrid truth of his inheritance, leaving Tsuna as the sole remaining heir to the bloodiest mafia organization in history.

However, a mutation in time prevented that, erasing what could have been and in return, creating something entirely new. As such, Vongola Nono never visited the Sawada household, too busy training his eldest to take over his dark throne and trying to keep his three other sons in line. From there, Tsuna never had his hyper intuition sealed away, having it constantly ringing in the background to the point where he never noticed it was there. Iemitsu, due to the increasing workload from Nono's four children, stopped visiting his family in Japan completely, holding the importance of his famiglia far above the family he had abandoned. He had completely forgotten about them and the rest of his colleagues believed that he was alone with no family whatsoever.

A single mutation that changed the fate of everyone in that timeline, diverting them towards a different path that eventually resonated to the Tri-Ni-Sette, changing all those connected to it entirely to compensate the divergence.

Just like the mutation in time that changed the very fate of that world, a mutation in genes created Tsuna and his new power.

Reborn sneered, tugging down his fedora to cover his eyes. He hated corrupted men like the one he was meeting today. He honestly would have never done such a simple task if it hadn't been a favor for Vongola Nono. It was so straightforward, consisting of surveying the area, meet with the boss, and then report back his findings. It was a job meant for any of the Vongola guardians or a higher ranked subordinate. That is, if they weren't all busy with other famiglias that were causing trouble and spreading chaos around the Vongola heir. Apparently, the eldest wasn't exactly perfect for the mafia family business and tended to screw up alliances with important allies or insult the wrong person publically (which lead to fights). Still, he was getting paid a hefty sum and that was all that really mattered to him, even if it was such a pointless job.

As Reborn went to start his round in the facility, never alerting the boss he had arrived far ahead of schedule. He wanted to ensure that he caught the boss of the Kuliev Famiglia off guard. He had been hearing of various human and drug trafficking rumors surrounding the group, something he didn't particularly like. Yes, he's a hitman. Yes, he's killed many people for money, but that didn't mean he doesn't have any morals or limits on how far things should actually go. It was one of the many things that kept him working with Vongola Nono since the elderly man had placed a strict enforcement in this area, having no tolerance for such corruption.

Slipping through the dark hallways, he bypassed all security systems and guards with practiced ease, finding them as mere child's play. Even the rotating cameras weren't problematic to dodge, effortlessly identifying patterns in their routines. Glancing around various rooms for evidence, he eventually came across one that was guarded by two armed men. Curiosity getting the better of him (it generally paid off, he keeps telling himself), Reborn smoothly and professionally knocked them out without being seen and silently slipped inside. The room within was almost entirely pitch black except for a single light in the back. The place itself, from the little luminance, was easy to recognize as a study. A quick look around was all he needed to locate all objects that could potentially harm or impend his process before spinning his full attention on the single guard and the individual roped to a chair towards the back wall.

The guard inside clearly hadn't heard him as he continued to stare at his prisoner, never turning around to see the blended hitman in the darkness, obviously glaring at the brunet tied down in the chair. The prisoner, however, did from the way the man perked up. Honey-colored eyes peered straight at the hitman but never once spoke up at his arrival, keeping absolutely silent and, despite the deadly situation, calm.

The guard, oblivious to the lethal presence behind him, spoke, "So how exactly did you get into our facility? You clearly had no access, no items pertaining to getting in, nothing." The man leaned back on his own chair, folding his arms against his chest as if trying to look imposing. It failed. "If anything, it's like you just simply... walked in."

The brunet sighed heavily, his eyes glancing back towards the guard from Reborn. "Look, it was an accident. I saw a door cracked open and curiosity deciding to damn me, I peeked around. It was then that I saw some people inside cages and, like any normal person, released them. What was I exactly supposed to do? Leave them?" The male huffed in annoyance, almost like he wanted to roll his eyes at the idiocy of it all. From the maturity of his expression, he was probably aged around early to mid-twenties with spiky brown hair. He was clearly of some sort of Asian descendent. Reborn suspected Japanese.

The guard growled, undoubtedly not approving the received information. "Those were goods ready to be transported out! That was money!"

The brunet sneered, arguing in return. "People are not goods that you can just sell!" Even with his arms and legs bounded by rope, the male could still pull off a furious expression, eyes burning orange. Reborn raised an eyebrow at the sight, already suspecting that the brunet might have something special within him. If not, at least sky-based flames. He was familiar with them from his interactions with Vongola Nono. "I'm not going to stand by and let something like that happen! Especially if I can do something about it! And if I can, then I plan to!"

"You little fucking brat! I knew we should have killed you when we had the chance!"

It was then that Reborn decided to intervene, having heard enough. He had all the information he needed to make a report. With a sharp kick to the back of the guard's head, he immediately knocked the idiot out, which left him alone with the brunet and the resulting silence. Their eyes met once more, both cautious of one another as they stared each other down.

Eventually, the brunet spoke, "You're not with any of them." He had spoken with such confidence and clarity that Reborn couldn't help but smirk.

The hitman flicked his fedora and chuckled. "And you're not quite the civilian you say you are, but you're also not part of this dark world either." Reborn waved a hand, motioning to the mafia group surrounding them. "More in between really. Perhaps a vigilant that wants to help save people?"

The brunet blinked once before shaking his head, smiling fondly at the term. He was no vigilante. His long bangs fluttered across his forehead at the movement. "No, I'm just a nobody that will help those he comes into contact with. I can't save everybody and it's pointless to even try."

"You're quite mature for a teenager." Reborn knew his last little comment would earn a reaction, he was expecting it.

"I'm actually twenty-two." The male, obviously Tsuna, huffed. "I just look young because of the lighting and my heritage."

The hitman hummed gently from amusement, impressed that the other didn't rise up to his bait, as he circled around the unconscious guard. "What's your name?"

Tsuna quickly shook his head, unable to hide his delight. "What? So you can look me up? No, thanks. I don't want my identity going around especially in the mafia." Peering around the room, he attempted to find another escape route, but there wasn't much he could to do in his current predicament. "I don't take it you'll be nice enough to get me out of these ropes, will you?"

The hitman spun around, stepping towards the front door with almost a slick skip in his steps. "Afraid not. You got yourself into this mess so I'm certain you can get yourself out of it." He ignored the disappointed pout from the brunet, opening the office door to step outside. No one had noticed the fallen bodies yet, but it wouldn't take much longer considering the security in this place. Closing the door behind him, Reborn made his way back to the front entrance where he was prepared to introduce himself to the guards to gain acceptance into the facility compared to his original route. He already had proof that this group had been into some dirty business, enough to get Vongola Nono on their case and even possibly wipe them out completely. It was things like this that made Reborn not mind being a freelancer, working for some kindhearted person that honestly wanted to save others, which, in the end, helped with the darkness in his heart.

The bitterness he had felt after being betrayed by Luche still stung even years later. She had never needed them as she already had her own guardians that she had harmonized with long before they met. It was to be expected as she was a well-known mafia boss and the outcome should have been obvious enough so that even he of all people should have been able to spot it miles away. And yet, he foolishly hadn't, too enthralled by the prospect of belonging. So, as she was the sky for her own guardians, she would choose another group (Reborn and his associates) to become the bearers of the curse, redirecting any influence that could have possibly affected Luche's own. She paid the price for it, but it didn't matter much as he and six others had been cursed as babies, known to be the Arcobaleno for thirty-five years. He had only been twenty-eight, right in the prime of his life and hitman career. It wasn't until eight years ago when the curse suddenly broke that they began to grow back to their normal age. Reborn had been thrilled to know that he would finally have his adult body once more, though not entirely keen on going through puberty again.

Seven of those years were spent in rapid growth, feeling their bodies stretch abnormally, sometimes painfully, until they reclaimed their original forms. Reborn had to admit that it felt great to wear his favorite suits, drive his expensive cars, and just act and be respected like a normal person. However, the despair, broken truth, and mental issues that had been created during those thirty-five years remained. Reborn couldn't trust anymore, not after that horrific burn that scarred him for all eternity. His increasing distrust and paranoia had cost him many possible relationships, both friends and lovers alike. Still, he paid no mind to it, no longer caring of anyone but himself.

Taking a deep breath, he cleansed his mind and pushed his issues deeper, masking them inside. He's a hitman, the best there is, and a professional. Move gracefully like a tiger, aim perfectly, keep his eyes always watching, and conceal his emotions when out on the playing field.

Opening his dark eyes, he stared before the guards imposingly, a deadly smirk resting on his lips.

It was time for business.

The meeting was ridiculous, almost pointlessly so, and if there was one thing Reborn hated, it was wasting his time. The boss of the Kuliev Famiglia was making some idiotic speech about some bullshit that didn't matter, enough so that even Reborn of all people was drifting off. Such stupidity. Why had he taken his job again? Right, he was getting paid. A waste of his high-class skills.

"And with Vongola letting me-"

The front door suddenly opened, interrupting the boss' supposedly 'grand' speech, something Reborn was eternally grateful for.

The boss, however, wasn't as appreciative. At the door stood the very man that Reborn had knocked out, the one that had been overseeing the brunet. He almost raised a curious eyebrow at the sudden recovery, but kept his face stoic. The man must have arrived to report what had happened, alerting the details regarding their prisoner. The hitman was slightly curious to know whether or not the brunet had managed to escape his predicament.

The boss of the Kuliev sneered, "What the hell are you doing here? Didn't I give you a job to complete? What of the prisoner? Who's watching him?"

"Said prisoner is right here," And then the brunet Reborn had only seen moments before stepped out from behind the edge of the door, stopping beside the guard. "And didn't quite appreciate the kidnapping attempt. Though I will admit, this is the stupidest one I've experienced so far." Tsuna sighed heavily, running a hand through his hair. He didn't mean to get kidnapped, but sometimes it was easier to infiltrate certain groups if they brought him inside or get a direct route to a serial killer's identity. Being able to control his victims through verbal or telepathic command definitely had its advantages. Everyone wanted to hear him scream or beg for his life in some sort of fashion, so it was quite simple, ridiculously so.

The boss obviously didn't like his words, jumping up from his seat with his face twisted in rage. The two men beside him, more guards, were already pulling out their weapons, ready to defend their boss from the intruder. Reborn, on the other hand, remained in his spot, observing the situation carefully from his corner of the room. This wasn't something he would interfere as he had no business. He almost smirked when Tsuna's eyes and his own connected, but instead, tilted his head to the side, letting the brunet know he wasn't interested in prying. Tsuna blinked once before focusing his attention back onto his current enemies.

"You little bastard! Such smart talk, but you made the gravest mistake by coming to me directly." The boss glanced towards the guard beside the brunet. "Hey! You! Shoot him! I want him dead and bleeding out on the carpet before me!"

The guard didn't move, staring a head emotionlessly. It was like he hadn't heard the command.

The boss only grew redder. "Are you even listening to me? I just gave you an order!"

Tsuna just smiled and glanced towards the two men besides the boss. "Please shoot your precious boss."

Immediately, the two individuals spun around without pausing for a moment, almost like robots in a way, and fired once each. Both bullets lodged into their boss' back, not even disturbed that they had bluntly betrayed the man they had once served. Instantly, Reborn's dark eyes widened in shock underneath his fedora, jumping out of his chair at the sudden change. He hadn't expected that, none of it. His eyes observed as the Fuliev boss collapsed to the floor, eyes wide with distress as the light slowly died out and breathing slowed until a resounding silence. Reborn was certain that something was horrifically wrong. Those two guards had definitely been absolutely loyal to their boss... But to turn around just like that? Unnatural. Impossible. Reborn peered straight at the brunet, eyes filled completely with caution. He didn't know nor understand what the other had just pulled, but he didn't want to get involved. Taking a step back, he was already glancing around in the sealed room for escape routes.

Tsuna didn't ignore the hitman, keeping an eye on him from the edge, and turned his attention to the three men he had complete control of. "I need you three to erase any evidence of me and that hitman being here. The man there," The brunet pointed towards Reborn, whose right eye twitched in response. "And I will leave. Once all evidence is gone and we've left the campus, come back here and create a ruckus to draw the attention of the whole building before killing each other and anyone else that steps through those doors." Tsuna motioned to the ones he had entered through. "You are not to stop shooting until you've taken your last breath."

Without any hesitation, despite the death sentence Tsuna had given them, the three men ran out while muttering 'understood' under their breath. Reborn felt a shiver run down his spine, totally uneased by the absolute obedience the men revealed as well as the dark request. None of this was normal. None of it at all. When those honey-colored eyes snapped towards him, Reborn instinctively took a step back and yanked out his handgun from underneath his jacket. His hand was steady, pointing the barrel towards the younger male. Only his arrogance and strength kept him headstrong.

"Who are you? And what exactly did you do?" His question burned in the air, paranoid and cautious. He had absolutely no idea on what the younger male could do or had done and he wanted no part in it. His fingers lingered on the trigger, ready to fire at any second or slight shift. However, he never got to pull it.

Tsuna smiled at the danger with utter ease. "What's your name? Please tell me."

"Reborn." The ex-Arcobaleno answered without a second thought. For a moment, a flash of surprise flooded his face as if aware that that same wrong was now happening to him too and there was nothing he could do but obey.

"Reborn, huh. You have a car? You must if you came all the way up here."

Without thinking, the hitman automatically replied. "Of course."

"Good, I kinda figured so." Tsuna rotated around to face the exit doors and momentarily peered back. "I would like to be driven home if you don't mind."

"Of course." Reborn had a blank look on his expression and immediately stepped forward while tucking his handgun back into its hostler. He lead the way, Tsuna trailing behind, who had a smile on his lips that didn't quite tell he was happy. It was more of a plain lifeless curve, implanted on his expression to keep people from reading his mask. Neither of them spoke, striding through the hallways unbothered. Tsuna used a little bit of his power to get everyone to turn away from them and to forget they had ever seen them. It only changed when they arrived at the entrance where Tsuna simply told the guards that Reborn and him were leaving and that neither had existed. He didn't want to get the hitman in trouble for giving him a ride. Well, if one considered his mind controlled words as an offer. The only beef he had was with the boss who had already been executed. With that completed, he had spared any future victims of being shipped away to god knows where and forced to do god knows what.

As they stepped into Reborn's private car, a jaguar, Tsuna almost chuckled as he peered curiously at the man he had taken with him. It wasn't often that his intuition would be buzzing about because of someone he had just met. Only twice had it occurred in the past, once with a silver-haired teen named Gokudera Hayato and another time with a pineapple-shaped haired male named Mukuro Rokudo.

For Gokudera, it had been family issues and with Tsuna's persuasion, managed to change the hardheaded teen's point of view on certain matters bustling in his family as well as coercively getting him over his fear of his half-sister. It helped that he went straight to both said father and sister to change their views, bringing the family close together as one. The father admitted the details pertaining to Gokudera's mother, along with her condition and the letters that were exchanged between them, while getting Bianchi to actually care for her brother in a more normal matter (not using poison related things which Tsuna found extremely strange).

As for Mukuro, who had vengeance and thoughts of destruction towards the rest of the world that he believed treated him wrongly, Tsuna had to sit through the entire story of all that had happened to the teen. It had been difficult, listening to all the horrible stuff that had been experimented on both him and his other two companions. With a few carefully placed words, he got the destructive teen to care more for those surrounding him and especially on saving those that were just as unfortunate. It was what led him to finding his half-sister, Nagi, who was being mistreated by her family. This way, it lead him away from the darker path he would have taken, knowing it would have corroded him into death and despair.

After everything, Tsuna didn't mind leaving behind a small mental lock on their minds to keep them safe from any outside influence. He wasn't too sure if there were any others like him out there and he didn't want to take any risks on it either. Even though their meetings had been blunt, he had learned enough of the two to gain a small connection and wanted to offer a small gift in return for his intrusion.

Back to his current situation, he always followed his intuition and it was especially buzzing around Reborn. Tsuna glanced towards the hitman curiously once more, observing him carefully as they were driving down the pathway towards the main roads. They were the only ones in the area, the street completely empty and the sun was already beginning to set in the distance.

"So, Reborn," Tsuna spoke up and noticed the way those dark eyes peered at him curiously and cautiously all at once. It was clear the other still had some conscious response almost like he was fighting against his control. The brunet smiled, this man had to be both mentally and physically strong to resist and there were only a few he could count that had showed signs of that (Reborn included). However, he had yet to find someone that could resist completely. "Who are you exactly? Please tell me."

The hitman immediately answered, eyes back on the road. "I'm known as the number one hitman, currently working mainly for the Vongola Famiglia, but still do some freelancing work if requested." The brunet almost flinched at the mentioned mafia name, knowing very well after years of searching for his father that the idiot was associated with them. He had already taken care of his father's memory and it had been such a pain considering the security surrounding the idiot. "I'm also known as one of the ex-Arcobaleno."

It was that last bit that got Tsuna curious. "What's an Arcobaleno?" He had heard mentioning of them in the dark underworld, but the details surrounding them were minimal at best.

"The gathering of the strongest seven in terms of dying will flame users." Ah, that made sense to Tsuna. He knew he was a sky flame user and had gotten someone to teach him how to use it (taking of advantage of his abilities to get them to do so as well as his father to give him details pertaining his inheritance which explained some of his other abilities). Though, in the end, he relied on his mind control since he would rather not fight, walking away untouched. Still, the tingling sensation never left him, heightening at the word 'Arcobaleno', and he knew there was more to this Arcobaleno business.

Not bothering to beat around the bush, Tsuna spoke, "There's more to be told than that, something bothering you about that particular subject matter." Tsuna noticed the twitch on those lips, knowing Reborn was still attempting to fight back. He had to give a mental pat on the back to the hitman, the man was strong and this was the furthest someone had ever managed to get. However, it didn't matter in the end.

Reborn reluctantly answered, "I had placed my trust into the leader of the Arcobaleno, Luche, only to be betrayed and get turned into a cursed baby in the end. The first time I foolishly placed my complete trust into someone after so long just to realize that she didn't need us at all as she already had her own. She then made sure to push the entirety of the curse onto us to ensure that it wouldn't affect her own guardians and her child. She knew exactly what was going to happen to all of us, never once mentioning it or hinting of what would become of us. Myself and six others, one who had attempted to replace another, were all scorned by her and her fake smiles. None of us ever forgave her, though it doesn't matter anymore. She's already dead."

Tsuna blinked, "Did you kill her?"

"No, though I wish I could have."

"And you never trusted anyone else ever since?"

Reborn sneered, his fingers clenching into the sterling wheel. He grinded his teeth together and the dark glare he gave towards the road made Tsuna shiver. The brunet didn't need a verbal answer to that question, not when it was so obvious. The broken trust had definitely destroyed the other, shattering him into broken pieces, and Tsuna quickly figured that this was something he was going to need to fix, well, not completely. He knew that one didn't gain trust in others just like that (considering the man's profession), but he could at least have the other relax when pertaining certain things and perhaps a little more accepting. He understood that in Reborn's line of work, trust wasn't easy to give and once broken, would never occur again.

Sighing heavily, Tsuna decided on what to do next. "Change of plans. Let's head back to your place. I can find a way home by myself later."

The hitman glanced over once, a flash of curiosity within those eyes before it was gone. He did nothing but reply, "Understood."

The apartment Tsuna entered was small, not ridiculously so like the ones he was familiar with in Japan, but decent for someone living alone. Regardless, the place was quite lifeless looking. The furniture was basic, nothing more than what was necessary. In one room, Tsuna spotted a taped up wall of photos, guessing them to be Reborn's completed hits, trophies of his accomplishments. However, there was one photo in the center, of a woman with a white mushroom hat that didn't have a pin on the center of the head.

It was obvious that the woman had to be Luche.

Heading in, he peered at the chameleon that was on the top of the couch, crawling around the edges, and observing him carefully from his spot. Tsuna smiled softly and gave a little wave at the little fella before spinning back to the hitman, who was standing in the center of the room. It was clear he was watching him while awaiting his new set of orders. The younger male glanced out of a nearby window, seeing that it was completely dark now and then to his watch. Just a little past ten. After this, he would need to call for a taxi to get him back to his place. Luckily, it was just thirty minutes away.

"Let's head to your bedroom."

As they arrived to the next location, Tsuna almost wanted to sigh. Fixing Reborn's mental state wouldn't be easy and would require a more direct route. It wasn't one he enjoyed using since it allowed him to slip deep into the individual's mind, read their memories, their thoughts, and their secrets. It was a frank invasion of privacy, one he was going to break in order to help Reborn. He wished he could fix this with just a simple set of commands.

Mentally preparing himself, Tsuna peered at the hitman curiously. "Please lie down. Make sure to get yourself comfortable."

The older male complied, tugging off his shoes before sitting down on the obviously expensive mattress. He worked on his jacket, tie, and fedora and eventually moved on to the various weapons he kept on his body, carefully placing them onto the night stand. Tsuna didn't spare a glance at the various items, from guns to knives to wires. They were all expected from a hitman. After wandering through the dark world, he had gotten accustomed to such sights, to the vile lifestyle. Despite Reborn eventually lying down on the bed, he still continued to watch him carefully under the control, bits and pieces of his personality peeking through.

"After I finish, you'll fall asleep until morning. I'm certain you'll wake up feeling slightly different, not completely changed, just...free in a way." Tsuna stepped closer, settling beside the male with a soft smile. "I won't hurt you." Leaning over, he placed his hands against Reborn's forehead, pushing some of the fallen bangs aside. "You won't remember any of this either. I'd rather not have someone like you poking around in my business."

Tsuna smiled, closing his eyes momentarily in content.

"After all, I'm not supposed to exist in this world."

Reborn's eyes widened just slightly, not afraid but curious. He didn't say anything still, keeping quiet for the other.

Tsuna's lips never twitched, soft yet sad in his emotions. He knew he had a lonely life, but he knew very well that accepting people within would reveal his secrets. He had to be alone in order to save himself from everyone else. He couldn't get any attachments, something to hold him back.

"Goodnight Reborn...and goodbye."

Without thinking and following Tsuna's telepathic orders, the hitman closed his eyes to welcome the impending darkness.

It was done.

Tsuna actually found himself a little proud of his new accomplishment. Smiling in glee and triumph, he stepped out of the bedroom where the hitman was now peacefully resting and into the living room. His eyes immediately drifted to the chameleon, Leon, who was still at the edge of the couch, large eyes still observing. Tsuna smiled and stepped closer, carefully lifting the animal up into his arms. His honey-colored eyes observed the creature for a whole minute, enjoying the prickly sensation while petting the rough skin on the head gently.

"Don't worry too much about Reborn, okay?" his fingers continued to scratch the forehead with ease, feeling the creature rumble under his touch. "He'll be just fine. I just healed the bleeding wounds within his mind."

Leon perked up at that, almost like he was concerned.

Tsuna chuckled, as if reading the animal's expression. "Sadly, deep wounds of the heart don't heal that easily and they don't disappear forever. They remain etched inside like a scar, buried deep within the darkness." Spinning around, he glanced back towards the bedroom. "Making them just vanish would slowly destroy what made Reborn, Reborn." Kneeling down, he allowed Leon to crawl off his arms and onto the floor, clearly heading towards his master's room. "I'm certain in the morning you'll notice a slight difference." He gave another pat on Leon's head before spinning around once more. "Well, I better head home. It's been a long day. Good luck, little guy, and keep an eye on your master there. I bet he's quite the troublesome one."

Leon blinked in question, watching as the brunet closed the front door behind him, before turning his full attention towards his resting master, sleeping peacefully on top of the covers. Shuffling forward, Leon decided that perhaps tonight would be as good as any to sleep by his master.

Reborn twitched as he became conscious of his surroundings, slowly stretching in place on his bed. He groaned softly, rolling around until he was on his back before finally opening his eyes. He blinked a few times, letting his vision clear as he stared up at the familiar ceiling, his thoughts foggy and jumbled. Slowly, he sat up, running a hand through his hair as he smoothed back his spiky locks.

"Shit, fell asleep..." He had forgotten to call his boss last night, collapsing into bed after arguing with the stupid Kuliev boss. That's right, he had went home after talking to him and now all he needed to do was report his findings. He stretched once more, listening as his bones popped and then blinked once.

Was it him or did everything feel...brighter? And perhaps a lighter weight on his shoulders? Shrugging said attachment, he lifted himself off the bed and spun slightly when he spotted a certain green creature creeping up from the corner of his eyes. He smirked and reached down to give the chameleon a scratch.

"Good morning, Leon."