Hello to all the readers and writers alike! As you can tell, I have found my very first job as a contract children e-book illustrator around a month after I graduated from my art college. I am very happy with it and consider myself lucky to get it, thus it is obviously eating away most of my free time. I'll see what I can do with my poor time management. Of course, thanks SO much for the lovely favourites and alerts, not to mention the awesome reviews. Now let's get the story reading started and as usual…

Disclaimer: See Chapter 1

Keys:

"Talks"

'Thoughts'

-Flashbacks-

Chapter 3: Mask

'Where am I?'

He saw nothing but darkness…

'Am I dead?'

Soundless darkness that questioned his sanity…

'What's going on?'

The only thing the boy spotted was a tiny orange flame floating in front of him that flickered on and off like it was about to disappear…flame?

"Ah, wait!" As the brown-eyed teen struggled to stand and chased after the fire that seemed to lead him to a specific location, voices soon reached Tsuna's ears. "Someone's there…"

Not just someone, but seven adults gathering in a small circle with one standing three arms away from them. They appeared to be having a lively conversation judging from their actions and the tones of their voices, saved for one who stood from afar.

"Who…who are they? What are they talking about?" Before Tsuna could think any further, a person's yell brought out from his thoughts.

"I told you that was a bad idea!" Grumbled a guy who had raging red aura surrounding his being. The only details the teenager could catch were his red shoulder-length hair (or was it pink? Tsuna couldn't tell) and a red fire-like tattoo that ran down from his right cheek to his collarbone.

"Ma Ma…at least they get everything done in the end, right?" A Japanese nobleman said reassuringly whilst patting the red-head's shoulder. His blue and white robe along with an exceedingly tall black hat were some of his distinctive features, not to mention his calm blue aura that could wash all worries away. "Although I do admit that you guys have gone a little too far."

"A little?!" The youngest of the group with light green hair and a tiny mole-size lightning bolt mark situated below his right eye shrieked in disbelief. "Obliterated the entire mafia headquarters, destroyed two underground bases, turned the nearby city into ruins with half of the people been traumatized by scary illusions and finally captured over 300 assassins specially hired from all over the world are definitely NOT little! And what's worse, I'm stuck in the middle of these horrendous chaos!" The boy whinged with flaring green aura enveloped his body.

"Oh you poor thing." Said the only woman in the crowd with a voice as beautiful as classical music and blond wavy hair as stunning as valuable golden threads. Soft touches of light indigo aura wrapped around her like a warm comforting blanket. "He's been through so much just by looking after you two who are dubbed as "the monster and the devil" and seeing as he's fine and healthy proves that he's more than capable of handling dangerous missions."

The boy would have been pleased to accept such compliments and as usual, ready to show his boastful attitude if he hadn't heard one's hurtful but truthful words.

"He did nothing but cowering when enemies approached us, tried to find hiding spots whenever he could and slept on the couch while we did all the work." That could only came from the one who stood few feet away from them with blond hair and purple aura radiating from his body.

"My darling…" This time, an aristocrat who wore a well-dressed military uniform with strange-looking indigo pineapple shaped hairstyle and dark indigo coloured aura decided to join in the conversation. "As much as I hate to agree with the skylark over there, he's right because that's all the boy is good at. Also, he keeps on whining wherever we go and he's not even much of a helper, though I must say he did a good job exploding their secret underground basement with his Electtrico Cornata and causing more disorder in the city by having lightning bolts flying in every direction so that we can lure our enemies out of hiding."

"He guarded our captives well when we brought them back to Sicily." The fair-haired man known as the 'skylark' pointed out whilst nodding.

This only made the green-haired stripling's irritation rose so much more while at the same time, embarrassed for freaking out so easily that even a little snake (which was actually an illusion) could force his powers to go haywire until a quarter of the town was damaged in a flash. Watching over their foes however…

"You guys just deliberately tossed me into a truck full of those bloodcurdling killers who's staring at me like I'm some kind of a feeble prey ready to be eaten alive and yet you dare to ignore my cries for help!"

All the youth got was a scoff from pineapple-haired chap. "But you're safe and sound, aren't you? Plus he's the driver; I'm the navigator and that leaves you acting as a guard to stop them from escaping and I'm sure your wonderful shield will protect you throughout the journey so you should be grateful that we give you such an important task, brat."

Just then, a black haired guy with an attire of a priest, a Bible in one hand and not to mention, yellow aura emanating as bright as natural sun rays gave a strong pat on the teenager's back, causing the youngster to almost lose his balance. "Way to go, buddy! You EXTREMELY make us proud!"

"Heh, I wish I could see that, must be entertaining to watch." Snickered the tattoo-faced man.

"Hey, stop being mean to him."

While the chatter gradually progressed into a brawl with the woman and the Japanese nobleman acting as the peacemakers, Tsuna on the other hand was left pondering on his thoughts once again.

'These guys are nuts, how can they say that so casually like it's happening every day? I'm surprised the police haven't done anything to them when they have caused so many ruckuses in public.' As he tried to tread closer to the group, somehow an invisible force hauled him back to where he last stood. 'Wha? Why can't I…?' For the second time, his thoughts were cut off instantly not by the red-head's voice…but someone much more familiar.

"That's enough."

Someone that possessed power and authority so great none dare to step in his way, and with a voice that grasped their full attention in a flash but lips forcefully sealed to prevent any interruption taking place…

"Although you three have indeed completed the mission by the end of the day, I have to pay all the damages you guys have so expediently made but the main issue being the citizens who live in that shattered town. Because of you, they have to move out immediately to who knows where with no food, no drinks and no shelter for weeks to come! Along with their financial crisis and lack of protection for both young and old, how can they survive in the outside world when they have nothing left? And let's not forget…"

Someone who was a voice of reason, fervent sense of justice with the ability to make quick decisions that no one could defy on, the few qualities absolutely necessary as the leader of the faction…

When he was done with his speech, the individual who was known as the boss looked up confidently and the reaction he received was nothing but unnerving stillness which was unusual for an obstreperous group like them, especially the skylark and the aristocrat who usually detest being corrected whilst the lightning lad's composure slumped with guilt.

"However, I believe that it was unavoidable as this was the safest way to ensure that all innocent citizens are to remain unharmed when our foes tenaciously make things difficult for us by dragging them into this mess without their knowing. Although some have gotten injured in the process but thankfully, no one was in critical danger." This piece of information brought much relief to his comrades. "I can understand the motive behind your actions and therefore, I will let it go just this once."

Someone who was also compassionate and understanding, the man who the populace admired and respected, the man the servants would follow to the depths of the earth, the man the faithful guardians vowed to protect with their lives, and the man the family and friends do anything to make him happy because he deserved so much more...

With that, the assembly become vivacious again like they had overcame a terrorizing world war battle with the rest of the team congratulating the three men for a job well done. At the same time, the superior spun around to meet Tsuna in the eye.

Someone who had dazzling spiky blond hair, piercing blue eyes now melted into warm-hearted orange the colour of the sun. An attire of a stylish and elegant black suit with a white shirt underneath, a straight black tie warped around his neck and last but not least, a black cape decorated with golden accessories placed on his shoulders that seemed to enhance his supremacy and command he retained as the head of the family….

"Hey, Boss!"

And most important of all, someone who wielded the renown orange flame blazing on top of his forehead which became a legend to the underground world with a name famously known as "Hyper Dying Will Mode"…

Someone identified as…

"Giotto-san…"

-Meanwhile, with Reborn and the others-

"What should we do now, Reborn-kun?" asked by none other than the brunet's dearest mother, Nana who anxiously touched her son's forehead yet no response came from said brunet.

Ever since the ring awakening incident, the 14-year old teen fell into an unconscious state and it has remained that way for 20 minutes long.

"I guess we should wait until he wakes up-"

"No time for that." For the first time since his death, Giotto's words were cut off in an instant by the world's strongest hitman, Reborn. "It's getting late and Mama has to make dinner soon. All this waiting makes me hungry."

'But it's too early to make dinner now.' Primo thought inwardly but he was too late to prevent Reborn from whacking the boy awake and just as the green hammer was mere inches away from his face…

"HIIIIEEEEE!" A high-pitch screech that could put an opera singer to shame reverberated throughout the neighbourhood with brown eyes almost popping out of its sockets with sweat dampening his face, like he had just been through a horrifying nightmare.

Before Tsuna could do anything, his mother rushed to his side in a speed of light with her tender hands caressing his face to wipe sweat away. "Are you okay, Tsu-kun? What happened dear?"

Hearing his mother's voice calmed his mind right away and after a short breath or two, he replied, "I'm fine, mom. I just saw something that came out of nowhere and that startles me a little."

'Definitely not little by the look of your face.' Brushing his thoughts aside, Giotto questioned, "What did you see, Tsuna?" Something must have occurred because it took longer than necessary to speak when the student made eye contact with him…was what the Vongola's founder thought.

"Erm, well…I saw Giotto-san talking to seven other people with different coloured aura surrounding their bodies." Giotto's eyes widened when he heard the commentary. "Though I can't see their faces clearly, I can tell that they're good friends of yours, Giotto-san…maybe even closer than that because you appeared to be having a good time with them. I didn't catch their names however so I don't know who they are." When Tsuna looked up, he found his mentor smiling nostalgically as if he was reminded of a bittersweet memory.

"Then what is it that makes you jump like a chicken?"

"I do not jump like a chicken!" Tsuna retorted back at the baby's remark but later on scratched the back of his head sheepishly. "But anyway, right after that I saw a strange tiny flame coming towards me and when it got closer it was a weird-looking beast with flames burning its entire being. When I realized that it's going to attack me, I screamed and ran away as fast as I could and just when I thought it's over for me…I woke up."

"Hmmm…." Was all the baby could utter before he said, "That was pathetic."

Before the adolescent could do anything, Reborn interrupted by saying, "I believe the scene you observed a while ago shows one of Primo's past since you managed to stimulate the ring's true nature and for that, you will not only receive immense power but also anything that has been stored into the ring itself which includes Primo's memories and Vongola's history." Giving Tsuna time to absorb the information, he then continued, "And as for the beast…"

What the brown-haired boy did not expect was the infant's odd instruction.

"Why don't you look at the mirror yourself?"

Blinking his eyes twice, he stared at the people around him with confusion painted on his features yet none said a thing so without a word, Tsuna stood up steadily and walked into the bathroom located near the kitchen, little did he know that what he would see next would shock him the whole night.

Giotto would have prepared to hear another of Tsuna's infamous cry. What he got however was a scream with a volume entirely on a different scale.

"AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!"

-5 hours later, dinner time-

Sounds of utensils clinking and soup slurping could only be found in the dining room as the residents in the house were each having a nice meal together…

"Tsu-kun, why don't you eat your dinner? The food is getting cold."

…except one that is.

The brunet who has recently been known as the leader of the "Maschera" group did nothing but sulked in his seat with purple aura spread around him like an incurable disease to emphasize his miserable mood. Mumbles of "Why this is happening to me?" and "Why am I cursed with such horrible fate?" were few of the sentences escaped from the teen's mouth.

"Suck it up, Dame-Tsuna. This is why you are always no good."

With a twitch of his eyebrows, Tsuna's whole behaviour changed upside down. "How can I accept it when I see myself having these…these…ugh, what IS going on exactly, Reborn? I don't understand…I just…"

"Calm down, Tsuna." A pat on his right shoulder was all it took to disperse the teen's turmoil as Giotto then stated, "It is normal to feel this way so I would not blame you for not accepting these…changes for the time being. In fact, anyone would react the same way you did so that doesn't mean you're weak."

"I wouldn't."

'That's because you're not normal.' Both sky flame users thought in unison as they stared at the baby the 'self-proclaimed' world-class hitman swallowed the entire fish in one gulp before pulling out its whole bone with just one swift move. 'Yep, definitely not normal.'

"Anyhow, Tsuna…" Reborn began, "That form will not last long as the features will gradually disappear the more you use the ring and the stronger your powers are."

"Really?" Hearing that announcement brought immense relief to Tsuna. "So all I need to do is to keep training?"

Somehow, the mischievous smirk that appeared on Reborn's face sent shivers down Tsuna's spine. "You really want to train that much?"

Never had he felt so much fear in his life and as Tsuna struggled to avoid Reborn's intense, predatory gaze with Giotto sending apprehensive glances between his descendent and the formidable newcomer. The tension was fortunately broken by Nana's cheerful voice.

"But you know, I think Tsu-kun looks so adorable in that form!"

That didn't make Tsuna felt any better as he was brought back to his depressed state with his hands covering his head in discomfiture.

"Now that you mention it, Tsuna does look cute in that transformation." The phantom said with a chuckle which mortified the poor brunet even further with Reborn murmuring something about bringing a camera along next time.

Finally, the ticking time bomb inside Tsuna exploded as he straightened up from his seat and whine-yelled, "Does it look funny to you if you have mu…mutated into some kind of animal who has flames around your face, has furs all over your body, pointy ears and a tail sprout behind your back? And what's with my eyes suddenly switch into orange?"

"It's called a lion, Dame-Tsuna." After an argument of "Stop calling me Dame-Tsuna!" and "But you are so stop interrupting me." Reborn resumed his explanation, "Like I said before, once the ring has been awakened, you gain more powers and abilities as well as several others that have been sealed inside this ring. One of the gifts you have obtained as the holder of the sky "Maschera" ring is an animal with sky elements which will be your partner and a weapon if your life is in critical danger. In order for both you and your animal partner to be in sync at all times, the animal will have to fuse with your body and as a result, you acquire an animal transformation which in your case, a half-human, half-lion form."

"Oh, that sounds interesting." The ex-hacker exclaimed in delight with her elbows propped on the table and hands cupping her face.

"Your animal form gives you high animal senses and extra protection which proves to be useful in battle. However, as you progressively improve your skills, the animal features will slowly dissipate until you gain full power of the ring. By then, you should only have a lion mask plastered on your face to cover your identity." The hitman paused for a gulp of water before setting his sharp gaze on Tsuna. "As for the eye colour changes, for other ring bearers it is part of the mask's characteristics to hide one's identity but the sky holder has a special case, have you been into Hyper Dying Will Mode before?"

With a nod from the Namimori Middle School student, Reborn then elucidated, "Then you should know that every time you enter that mode, your eyes change to bright orange the colour of your sky flames but even if you're out of that mode, your eyes remain the same until you take away your mask or when you ran out of flame energy."

Seeing his descendant's bewildering expression caused Giotto to sweat-dropped in response. "I guess this is too much for Tsuna to take in one day so let's clean up the dishes and get ready for bed, right Nana-san?"

"Oh, of course. Tsuna has school tomorrow isn't it? And I told you to stop calling me Nana-san, Giotto-kun. Just call me Mama like everyone else." The only woman in the room answered whilst giggling.

Releasing a long, exhausting sigh, Tsuna was about to stand and leave the dining room when one thought invaded his mind, "Reborn, you mentioned other ring bearers, just who are they and how many of them?"

Still sitting on the same spot, Reborn looked up and replied, "There are seven other ring bearers with each possessing a different flame attribute, I'm sure Primo has already told you what these flame attributes are, right?"

"Yes, there are seven kinds of flame attributes. Sky with harmony attributes, Storm with disintegration, Rain with tranquility, Sun with activation, Lightning with hardening, Cloud with propagation and Mist with construction. What I don't understand is why you said 'seven' and not 'six'?"

"So you noticed…" Reborn whispered with a slight smirk. "You are correct, there are a total of seven ring bearers but it is different for your "Maschera" association because you have one extra Mist ring bearer."

That clarification instantly mystified Tsuna to no end but before he could utter a word, Reborn's speech beat him to it. "You should ask Primo since he understands the situations the best, now go to bed Tsuna or you'll be late to school tomorrow." With that the conversation concluded as each of them went their separate ways and prepared to rest for the night, as for the explanation about the mysterious Mist ring holder…that was a story for another day.

-Flashback ended-

-Morning at around 5.30am-

"Wake up, Dame-Tsuna."

Said teen could only mumble faintly in response before rolling to the other side of the bed.

"Don't make me use force."

In a matter of seconds, the boy was up and about before forcing to run multiple laps around the neighborhood with a green rope tied between Tsuna's abdomen and Reborn's stomach with the hitman pointing the gun threateningly on the boy's head. And that was the daily morning training routine before the class started.

'That Reborn, always making me train even though he knows I'm back home late last night. I would have gotten better grades if I had enough sleep so I can concentrate better in class.' Was what Tsuna thought of but little did he know that things will be different this year.

To Be Continued…

That's the end of chapter 3! I don't have the time to explain much since I wrote this before I'm being dragged off my house to go to the airport now, yes..I'm going on a family trip to Sydney for a week so ciao everyone and see you guys later! *wave and zooms away*

Edited: Well, I'm back from my family Sydney trip and it was fun! So sorry for the super late update but I'll try to update quicker next time! Please REVIEW and let me know your thoughts on this chapter once more! I know there's a lot of things needed to be explained but more will be revealed in due time! Thank you so much for your support and PM me if you have any questions!