Amaranthine
Disclaimer: I own nothing from KHR except the plot of this fan fiction.
Warnings: Language, Slight Violence, Possible OCC-ness and Unbeta'ed!
IMPORTANT NOTE: Please kindly take note, that Tsuna won't be instantly get close with the Arcobaleno as they are to Tsuna. It will take some time before each party get comfortable at one another. I'm trying to make this realistic as possible.
-Tsuna will remain oblivious and dense at the other's affection and advances at him in the future/later chapters especially Reborn's advances to get his attention and heart until they blatantly told him their feelings for him that is the only time he will understand their advances. The reason he isn't oblivious about Checkerface/Kawahira obsession with him won't be reveal until chapter ten or so.
-The summary/plot of the story may different or confused some at the start but as the story progress you'll understand everything and clear all of your confusion and questions as why is that the summary I put in this story.
Amaranth 2: New Home
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"Some people live in cages with bars built from their own fears and doubts. Some people live in cages with bars built from other people's fears and doubts; their parents, their friends, their brothers and their sisters, their families. Some people live in cages with bars built from the choices others made from them, the circumstances other people imposed upon them. And some people break free."
-JoyBul C.-
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Blood. A sign of morality and humanity.
Bleeding had already stopped.
He touched softly where the cut should have visible at his palm. A paper cut from the book. Whatever it is called. It was still a cut and it should be presented with the blood in all.
Yet, he had a different circumstances from any individual.
He was not a normal to begin with. No matter how much he desire to be normal and blend with humans, to be simple and not extraordinary, he will never be. For he have none of the simple characteristics to be human. Humans bleed and it will take some time for them to heal, their wounds will or may not leave a scar – a reminder they are not invincible as they thought as they are going to die in any moment of their time at the surface of the world of living. They are very delicate creatures unlike him.
He had come face to face with death countless of time and he always return back to the living with no permanent casualties and that is enough to count him to be something in beyond – No ordinary human can attain such fit.
Is that label him to be monster? For he held the things that humanity wished to have so long ago – Immortality. A never-ending life span. No deaths.
Tsuna's expression turned grim at the direction where his thoughts going to. He sigh resignedly and shook his head, shoving the dark thoughts in the deepest part of his mind. Focusing at the task at hand which he finds hard to go back at doing so he closed the book he was reading few moments ago before his mind wander at the sensitive topic of his life and he have the faintest idea of what lead him to his current turmoil.
One word: Arcobaleno.
The changed of his entire demeanor was because he was near them. It brings back both pleasant and mostly unpleasant sensation in his gut that he buried into oblivion.
"Speaking of them…" He mumbled softly under his breath as he gaze at the direction where his little guests taking their nap.
He set down his book from the table and walked toward his guest room in a slow and quiet pace in order to not startle his newly tenants at the thought of fighting them as soon as they spotted him and he don't want that at the particular moment so he watched their chest slowly rise and down in the dark corners of the room.
'Once they open their eyes, they will be devastated and furious even.' Tsunayoshi thought as he stared at the unconscious, newly assigned wielders of Arcobaleno pacifiers with unreadable expression.
The brunet had brought them all to his home as he can't abandon them at their current state, knowing the possibility of the enemies of these group would not hesitate to use their vulnerability in order to win against them; although he is also aware they don't stand chance against them as they are not chosen to be an Arcobaleno for nothing.
They're the World Strongest Selective Seven. Not only in the name or title of fame but also in strength, intelligence, power and abilities that no single human in the earth could spar in the meantime and the possibilities they can surpass the cursed infants would take years or more likely forever; In short it was impossible.
But if they ever tried to fight him which he was certain would do as soon as they wake up, he'll beat them within a second like it's nothing to him and that will surely hurt their pride as the strongest seven especially the greatest hitman in the world, Reborn as the man is very prideful and very confident with his own skill as an assassin so defeating them will be a huge blow at their ego and he had no planned doing that unless necessary to prove his point of view.
Then, his eyes caught the time and see it was almost time for lunch.
He take a last glance at the group, then he went straight into the kitchen as he decided to prepare some meals for them knowing the others will wake up soon and going to be hungry. As their body is adjusting at the sudden transformation so they need to eat lots and sleep lots because they were stuck in the body of a child, baby. And babies needs lots of energy and nutrients for their growth.
It might sound an insult calling them babies but that was their truth and they need to face that. That is one of the adjustment they need to accept.
He smiled softly.
They will be just fine. They are trained to live in the underworld and they face countless of things hardly you can say normal and simple so these new incident would be a little bit different but the others will learned to adjust just fine because they are far from being normal from any individual and the brunet can relate at their current predicament.
After all he was no different from them but they are much better than him.
He hummed.
They will be fine for they still have a chance to break free unlike him.
XxX
He's too late.
Everything is falling apart. Crumbling into pieces of nothingness. Fire engulfing the land into ashes. Wails and screams of despair and prayers of salvation never been answered and totally ignored as left is nothing but eerie silence of destruction and decay.
A lone figure stood in the middle of the entire destruction, eyes wide in shock and tears falling down as sadness and anger burned in his chest.
"Why?" His voice cracked, staring at the chaos in front of him. Homes been destroyed. Pile of dead bodies scattered everywhere, woman, elders and child never have been spared by its cruelty.
He stepped forward at the bloody field and desperately called for any life form possibly escape death itself while looking for any survivor of the tragedy.
["Why bother searching for any survivor when there is no one left? And if there's somebody did survive they'll just create another war and the spin of tragedies will go on. Don't you get it, Caelum? Humans are foolish creatures and hypocrites. Stop saving people that can't be save anymore when they are obviously not worth it."]
He ignores the voice mocking him as he kept his own pace even if the voice started to aggravate him with its further mockery and taunting.
["…After all, how can you find any survivor? When you are already too late to save a single soul."]
Before he could retort back, his eyes caught something and hope arises in his heart although he didn't let it fully control his emotions enough to crush his soul.
Slowly walking towards where he saw the slight movement in the distance where he stood a while ago as if he was scared to find it was trick of light or his desperation to save someone, anyone in the blood-stained land of corpses of people he failed to protect.
Then, as he neared at his desire destination, a small yet fragile voice rang at the entire area, breaking the maddening silence engulfs the city and destroyed into absolute shreds of nothingness.
"Please… Someone… Anyone… Help us… Anybody… Please… Save us…"
It was a voice of child. A small yet plea for salvation. It was desperate just like him but filled with conviction. Not yet losing hope that he would survive in this hellish nightmare and that will somebody comes and saves him. Them.
And with that all his fear and hesitation dissipates as he break into halt as kneel down where debris of a fallen house crumbles down, completely covering the path. It was the direction where he could hear the voices of the children. Yes, children. Not just one but they are more which he was glad and grateful to any deity for letting these young ones to live, being spare at the harsh and destructive outcome of the battlefield.
He took a deep breath and a gentle yet warm orange flames surrounds him but it doesn't put any permanent harm on him nor his surroundings instead is it moving at his command. He removes the obstruction carefully and slowly fully aware that one wrong move will hurt the survivors or might cause their life on the line.
As soon the scattered debris is gone, he met seven hopeful; yet guarded ones. And he lower down his aura in order to show he won't do any further harm in them as it seems these child were not very fortunate to escape the twisted and cruelty of their same race, Humanity.
"It's okay, I won't hurt you. I'm sorry… I came a bit too late to save you guys but don't worry. I won't let any these things happen to you again. I'll protect you and give you a family that you can call your own and home. I will love you and protect you as my own. I swear."
He didn't bat an eye when they stared at him suspiciously for a long moment which held his ground not backing away from their ferocious gaze despite with the haze and exhaustion clearly presented behind it, they never let their guard down even knowing that someone came up to help them as they are aware in young age how cruel and bitch fate is. Though despite that he knows they are grateful for saving them from dying without being found in the void of desperation and fear of not seeing another tomorrow without proving their worth in the harsh and brutal society.
Long tense silence erupted between them as the group scrutinized one another and the latter feared they will continue to back away from him further more.
Even though he was too engrossed with his dark brooding he didn't removed his gaze at them at the small fear that these children were just created by his own desperation which he was clearly aware is not merely an illusion.
Then something unexpected happen next, they smiled at him warmly. He never expected they'll accept him as soon as possible but he is truly grateful and so, he smiled back at them as well. He watched their eyes softening before losing completely their wariness and letting their stance relax.
"Thank you."
Despite being relieved everything turned out well. He knows it won't be long before something happens because that how's the world revolves. Even so, he will fulfill his promise.
He will cherish and protect them as long as he can before hell comes forth. As that man's words still ringing inside his head.
["They are no different from the rest. They will suffer the same consequences… After all you will be the root of their very own downfall."]
"Umm… So, mister what is your name?"
He smiled despite his inner turmoil still present. "My name is… Sawada Tsunayoshi. And you are?"
"My name is Giotto…"
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Tsuna jolted awake from the sudden loud crash and noise coming somewhere around his home.
He looked blearily and eyes still half asleep around, searching where the loud banging and noise coming from but can't seemed to pinpoint it as his mind is still filled haze then another particular sound completely put him back into the land of wakefulness, the sound of a gunshot.
He frowned slightly. It seems he had fallen asleep for some quite time for missing the chance to wait up the others to regain their consciousness and now, they're totally making a ruckus inside his humble adobe.
"Thank goodness, my house is soundproof encase something like these happens." He muttered grumpily. Simply because he don't want to deal with privy neighbors and police, explaining why there is maniacal infants firing gunshots with the intent of full murder around him and that screams trouble. They would sure think him some psycho and locked him at jail for human trafficking and etc. If he will put it simply: Troublesome, a complete pain in the ass to deal with and dear Tsunayoshi never like to deal with troublesome things and people in general unless with absolute necessary.
He needed to put them into stop because if he don't, his place will surely turned into wreck.
With an irritating huff, masking half of presence in order not to startle them, he made his way at the direction where the sound of general destruction coming from and once he reached there – he can't helped but stared at the entire place with a deadpanned and not impressed look.
They are completely acting like a child – No, to be precise they're acting like brats with a loose screws in the head.
Things flying back and forth coming from different directions, dents mysteriously appearing at the wall, various language of curses blurting out in each of the babies lips as they throw a tantrum at one another except from a selected few – one is screaming fright in the ground who is seems trap in some sort of an illusion created by the hooded baby hovering above him, the scientist standing in the corner avoiding all the projectiles being carelessly thrown in the air, the Chinese in clothing trying to stop the fight in a very long patience but it seems it won't be long before he joined to in the fry, Reborn had already snapped as he keep shooting the military uniform infant with obvious killing intent and blind rage and the only woman in the group seems trying to aimed the bazooka at the military infant. What the hell did the military infant did to enrage two of his own team?!
All in all none of them were sane enough at the present time as they continue to riling up each other.
"- This is all your fault, kora! We are fucking babies because you've –"
"-Shut your trap before I'll goddamn kill you!" And so the colorful vocabularies reach into taunting towards threats.
They've already activated their flames.
And still haven't spotted him for they are too engrossed at their brawls.
He had enough.
They are destroying his home. He had brought them here to rest not to put his place into chaos. If they continue wreaking havoc just like that then he had no choice but to show them who is the boss in this place whether they like it or not. Consequences be damned.
"It seems like you guys are forgetting your place." Tsuna started. His voice laced with authority and edge. There is no room for jokes neither arguments.
"Who the hell are you?!" They finally stopped fighting and focused their attention at the brunet. They have not sense him at all until he made his presence known just like the checkered mask bastard. Could it be he was one of his accomplice?
They all prepared their fighting stance against him.
"Please don't lump me with that scum. I'm no accomplice." He answered as if reading their thoughts. "Kindly, drop your weapons and deactivated your flames. I think you have known when you see a threat and have an upper hand at the situation but I won't use that against you because it simply too troublesome to do but if you still insist at fighting me and destroying the house of the person who had saved your asses back then – I'll gladly take you on." He activated his own flames to show how serious he is.
That did the trick. They were drilled to know when to back down and when it's not because the scrawny-fragile looking brat is something surpassed everything they possess which is kind of impossible –
"Please, stop underestimating me. You guys were fully aware that looks can be deceiving. I'm older than I look like." The brunet interrupted them with a displease tone.
"Who are you?" Reborn finally steps in.
"I'm Sawada Tsunayoshi but you can call me Tsuna in short. I don't like formalities at all." Tsuna smiled at him. "So, what about you guys?"
Silence.
"Are you the Sky Arcobaleno? You clearly have the sky attributes." They questioned.
"Maybe," His eyes turned distant and unfocused, as if reminiscing something. "But, I hope. I never will for I am not suited for the job as I'm a cursed one."
Reborn narrowed his eyes at him along with the others which Tsuna blatantly ignores him as he continued to speak.
"Since you guys don't want to introduce yourselves. I'll give you names." He completely ignore their indignant cries.
"You are Blackie. You should smile more because sun are supposed to be a happy ray not grumpy." He pointed at Reborn who simply scowled in return. Though he can clearly something along the lines of being unoriginal and his bland naming which he simply shrugs off.
Pointed at Viper. "You will be Money Eater for you are too greedy for that piece of invaluable sheet of paper that won't save you neither will do you good at all." He interjected the Mist Arcobaleno before it can retort.
Then he pointed next at Fon, the storm Arcobaleno. "You will be Tea Master and no comment. You'll fit perfectly in this house as you are not insane as them. Barely that is." Fon eyes widened a bit and Tsuna is already at his next target at name-giving which is Lal Mirch, the half-Arcobaleno.
"You will be Mama Bear because you are both cuddly cute and scary." Tsuna deflects before she can slap his face. He didn't want to receive her painful strikes. It quite leaves a mark and will surely hurt as hell despite his rapid healing abilities when needed.
At the background, Colonnello agreed loudly which earns him another round of slapping. The others just sighed at his usual antics more precise his idiocy.
"Well, that set is the Blondie is Masochist." Tsuna nodded to himself and the others pretty much give an approval while Colonnello splutters in both embarrassment and denial.
"You are the Freaky Glassy." He pointed at Verde, the lightning Arcobaleno.
"Excuse me. Who are – "
"Mad Scientist is already overuse so you will be Freaky Glassy."
Skull was dying laughing in the floor so much then yelped when Verde throws a bull-eyes of scalpel at his back hole.
"You-"
Tsuna intervened before a fight could escalate. "And lastly, you are the Lackey."
"HEY!"
"Welcome to your new home! My sweet little chibis~"
"Are not and we haven't agreed with anything!"
He simply shrugs off their indignant splutters as he went on. "Why not? You guys are all cute in those form but more importantly, I think you are all hot."
And chaos once again ensues at his statement.
"What the hell!"
In the end, Tsuna managed to get each of Arcobaleno's names as they detest the names he given them but Tsuna refuses to do as he find it amusing and fun – riling them up.
"It seems like I made one of hell first impression at them." Tsuna muttered with a soft smile lingering his lips as he gaze once again at the sleeping form of the Arcobaleno. "But at least they will be much calmer tomorrow for the real discussion and confrontation."
Tsuna purposely tease them in order for them to let out their negative emotions and it was a success. They shout at their heart's content upon their unfair situation and he counter it with professionalism and ease which leads them at their current predicament. Sleeping because of exhaustion and stress-relieve even a bit.
He quietly walked out in the room and once he was surely out of range.
Black orbs shot open.
"Who exactly are you, Sawada Tsunayoshi?"
XxX
At the secret underground passage of the house, there was a vast field of Amaranth and in the end lies a respected graves of the people he held dears along with the colorless pacifiers at each of their tomb.
"Ah, Tsunayoshi-kun. It's been awhile since you visited. What business do you want me to deal with?"
"Yes, it's been awhile, Talbot and it's just Tsuna…" Tsuna paused as he stared at the graves ahead. "Can you make me one?"
"What one?"
"A grave."
"For whom?"
"Mine. As I think, I can finally have my peace once I've cleared Kawahira's and Bermuda's messed."
"But –"
"Please, I beg you. I'm tired. So tired."
"I understand."
"Thank you."
The latter didn't bother to reply as he watched the broken sky walked his way at the graveyard while holding fifteenth amaranths as an offering.
It was their favorite flower. His favorite flower despite it always reminded him about both of his curse and blessing. He always loved them.
"Always beautiful, Always strong, Always faithful. Never fading – That is you, Tsunayoshi-kun. You are both the amaranth and the wide blue sky that accepts everything no matter how much you deny. It is your fate."
To Be Continued…
A/N: So… How is it? Weird? Good? Bad? Never mind. I do hope you enjoy reading them... Any suggestions and opinions about Tsuna and each Arcobaleno interactions are welcome in following chapters which I'll put in consideration!
Anyways, Reviews/Comments, Favs/Votes, and become a Follower are all welcome and appreciated ^_^
Love and Cheers to you guys! Till next time! ;3
Preview: To be both a Child and Adult
"…Why are you guys bother so much at having stuck in a body of an infant when it nothing in comparison at what I'm dealing with?"
"Heh. What's worse than being stuck with this through our entire life?"
"Immortality. A never-ending insanity of broken existence."
-End of Chapter 2-