So I decided to torture myself doing a Baccano fanfiction this time. Originally this was not intended, but seeing no Monica tags here on FF made me sad and I could not restrain myself. This will not be tagged under Monica however as you can only tag two characters (sadly having to realise Huey and Elmer are more known than she is), but that doesn't mean she doesn't have a part to play. This is an Elmer / Huey / Monica fanfiction.
Additional info:
The time is around 1707, after Maiza has witnessed immortality for the first time (I plan on this having a minor role later on so might as well point it out) and so characters appearing will be limited to that time.
There might be some spoilers for the 1705 novel (don't think there will be any for the 1710 though as that literally hasn't happened yet).
I don't know if it's me doing something wrong, but FF won't let me use *** for starting a new bit so you will have to deal with lines...
And last but not least I have tried doing this in Narita's style, not to rip off but because I think the way he writes is half of what makes Baccano what it is. Don't hate me for that please.
Enjoy the 'Colour Pages' and Interlude! And please CnC
About Elmer C. Albatross – Anonymous and "Friends"
All fairy tales need a good old fashioned villain is what they say. And truly he would fit that description had this been a fairy tale. I guess it is in fact ludicrous enough to be addressed as such, but alas, it is not. It is merely a recollection, a memory of a man who wanted nothing but for the whole world to smile. He truly was one of the evillest men I have ever known…
What? That doesn't make sense you say? Haha. I guess not. I don't have anything to justify my words, no reason to say such harsh claims about that man.
But you know… That altogether genuine smile of his. The way that he can seem completely oblivious to the situation he finds himself in. Many have called him a gullible fool, and I guess in a sense he is.
He does indeed truly want every single being on the planet to be happy.
No matter the cost.
And that is what makes him scary. That is why he is such a twisted person. Don't underestimate him, because he knows everything about you. In order to avoid a possible tragedy, he believes knowledge is needed.
- To make you happy, he will find out your secrets, the secrets of your family, the secrets of your friends, the secrets of the bloody city you live in.
So you still think this man – this Elmer C. Albatross – is a gullible fool?
(...)
"Elmer you say? He's a funny person. He always says something that doesn't fit with the situation at all, but doesn't even seem to realise it. I guess to most he seems like a really great guy – Hu-Huey, don't scoff, I said 'to most'! – but… he's also sort of eerie. Not just sort of; he's a scary person. The worst part is that I don't think he realises that either…"
"…"
"… Y-you say something too Huey…"
"… He's a… friend. I guess."
About Huey Laforet and Monica Campanella – Words of Elmer
Ah, if it's those two, there's only one thing to say really: they are perfect for each other! Oh, you don't want their love life?
Ahahaha, sorry! It's just that I really think they could make each other happy. You know, smile. Isn't that more important than their personalities, their right and wrongdoings and their accomplishments even if you count all of the opposing ones at the same time? It doesn't matter if they are good or evil, or maybe even neutral, as long as being in each other's company can make them smile – after all neither of them truly smiles.
Oh, don't misunderstand me. Monica can definitely give a heart-warming smile whenever she is with Huey, and that is why I believe one day she too can make him smile. What are you frowning at me for? Come on, smile! Be happy! Only if I get back on track? Okay, but don't forget that promise!
Ahem – you know, Huey is really way too stoic for his own good. He should really brighten up a bit. It's hard to genuinely smile when you hate everything you put your eyes on. He's hiding behind that fake smile of his, engaging as little as possible with the world around him and lets too little pleasure into his life. Or rather by secluding himself, he drifts further and further away from happiness.
Monica on the other hand has already found her happiness and even if she knows her feelings are not returned, her emotions does not falter. I really admire that in her. And she's strong! Strong enough even to keep that Huey in check I'm sure!
Also they are tied together by a certain secret – in a way all three of us are.
Nonono, I can't tell you about that. It's a secret after all.
Wait! Where are you going?! You promised me that smile!
I'll tell you if you come back and give me a smile, okay?!
A Basement in Lotto Valentino
The dark shadows were everywhere to be seen. The whole inside of the already packed basement room was brimming with people. One would have expected conversation, or at least small individual chatter from a gathering this sound, but not a single sound was uttered. All eyes were focused on the figure in the middle of the crowd.
"We live by the holy book."
The monotone voice was the only audible sound. It sounded almost like a chanting.
"Death is to be feared. Life is to be feared. We shall cherish and worship a God who does not exist.
A God who does not exist – and yet, we shall make Him exist through us."
Silent murmur amassed as the crowd split to make room for a lone child, staggering towards the figure in the middle, her eyes empty as if all life had already been drained from her. As if she was merely a living shell.
She showed no hesitation, no fear… Just the emptiness.
"And yet another eve our God shall give us bliss."
Silent screams started coming from the young girl, slowly but steadily rising in volume.
"The bliss through pain. The knowledge of existence. We are alive!"
The crowd was silent for a mere moment, bathed in the sounds of the agony the girl underwent. But not before long the silence was broken by a cheer, clapping, and alongside the screams of the child, it became a twisted symphony portraying the philosophy this religious group lived by.
The God does not exist. Hence we will make Him. There is no true bliss but pain. There is no better way of feeling alive.
"Thank you."
The figure seemingly leading the group went up to the child and kneeled.
"Thank you, our sacrifice."
His lips curled into a smile half tainted by genuine gratefulness, but more dominated by madness.
"For taking on our pain.
- Truly… Thank you."
In a small town untouched by the world around,
A peaceful village of people minding their daily lives just the same as usual
Completely unbeknownst to them had things already long ago started stirring
Strange incidents, threatening to ruin those safe days
But in reality this city was not normal in the first place.
It was just a matter of time
Before Lotto Valentino would be thrown into the chaotic incidents
And even if the story might over time be forgotten by the city itself
To three young alchemists it will forever be close to their hearts
Carved into their very souls