This is the second arc! If you didn't read the first one, you can't understand anything!

Hi everyone!
I'm italian and I'm translating my story in english because some not-italian people ask me to do it, so please forgive me for this poor and basic english!
I accept any advice because I really want to improve my english and I know there are many mistakes, SORRY!
Thank you for reading ~

Target 6 - Middle East VI (Epilogue)

The next day at dawn, Mirjad is finally free.
The citizens are helping each other with altruism, working hard to rebuild their city. People who have been victims and imprisoned for a long time are now collaborating with each other to restore it to its former glory.

Erol has just returned from the cemetery where they buried all the poor victims, Alp was also placed there.
What is the meaning of death?
No longer you can see the person you love, open our eyes without them next to you and being unable to listen the sound of their voice anymore.
The cruelty lies in memories, that make their way into the minds and hearts, bringing to the surface the nostalgia of the moments you have spent together.

Nozomi is looking out the balcony of the old base, she perfectly knows what it means not being able to look into the eyes of the person she loved, not being able to hear his voice and can't see his smile.
Is it really right?
Evil people should disappear, that's the only way to prevent that other poor innocent hearts could suffer as she is.
Sighs, looking the tired but relieved faces of the people who are rolling up their sleeves and working hard.
She puts her right hand in front of her face, staring at it as looking at something invisible placed on the palm.

Nozomi: I haven't forgotten ... I'm still here ... but what about you? Why did you break the promise?

She winces when she realizes that a man got close to her and is leaning on the balcony.
Gazi has the usual off-white bandage that covers his left eye but no longer has the green band between the raven hair. It was burned by Raif in the battle of the day before.
The girl notices some scars on his arm, signs of the hard struggle he endured.

Gazi: You haven't yet explained your reasons, teh.

The brunette turns to the horizon, coming back to watch the hard working population.

Nozomi: Reasons for what?
Gazi: Why you believe it's better to kill people.
Nozomi: I never said such a thing.
Gazi: Then why did you do that?
Nozomi: I only executed a filthy monster. Did you think of him as a person?
Gazi: Yes, a human being, like you and me.

The brunette shakes her head.

Nozomi: Human, uh ...? I don't think I'm really like that.
Gazi: Uh? And for what reason?
Nozomi: Do you think a common human being can have such power, abilities and fate?
Gazi: All human beings have this power teh, but not everyone knows how to use it and almost no one knows about it.
Nozomi: If I don't have this strength in order to punish evil people, then why am I like this?
Gazi: I think you have to find that answer by yourself.

The Vongola turns to the dark-skinned man, he's still observing the sky.

Gazi: Do you see the sky? It's blue and clear, and although it must support a storm, a blizzard or other weathers ... the sky is always still, it doesn't break up.

She turns her gaze to the clear expanse above her.

Nozomi: ... And yet, even supporting the other elements ... it has to face other disasters ...
Gazi: And do you think it could break up? The sky must watch ... at most, with its hugeness, it can bring peace and save desperate souls.
Nozomi: ... Desperate souls?
Gazi: We are all born equal, it is the world and experiences that change us, baby.
Nozomi: The world and experiences?

The man turns back to her and she returns his gaze.

Gazi: No one is born guilty of something. Yet if the world around us is hard and painful and we aren't able to bear the pain, we surrender and become part and carriers of it.
Nozomi: ... So ... good and evil doesn't exist.
Gazi: There is pain and happiness ... people who go through the pain and go beyond it, coming to happiness. But there are people who can't overcome the pain and become part of it. Well... they are, however, good and evil, light and darkness, heaven and chaos.

The brunette turns again, looking at the other people again.

Nozomi: All these people ... they face the darkness longing for light ... but not everyone can get there ... some of them fall ...
Gazi: Those who fall are what you call "evil people", without even trying to understand why they are "evil".

The image of Alp passes in her mind.

Nozomi: But ..! Why has Raif done such things?
Gazi: I suppose it was his twisted vision of governing the city and protect the citizens ... probably the way in which he is grown has made him blind, as well as the people next to him ... but we'll never know.

The girl sighs, saddened.

Nozomi: ... Forgive me, in truth I didn't want to kill him.
Gazi: Luca-san told me. The plan has changed suddenly ... you went in berserk.
Nozomi: When he has hurt Luca and killed Alp ... I thought he didn't deserve to just end in prison.
Gazi: Sometimes prison is harsher than death itself ... punishment is ideal for those who make mistakes, teh. Death is a quick and easy solution too.

She lowers her head, troubled.

Nozomi: ... I think I understand what you're saying ... in fact, this would explain a lot …

"... this is why papa and Primo-sama have always forgiven their enemies... and their piety ... "

Gazi: You'll be a boss one day, you have to know these things better than anyone else, teh.

The girl rests her head on her arms, but a male voice interrupts the two and they look down over the balcony.

Erol: Hey Gazi, we have to finish to fix here, give us a hand!
Gazi: Uhm, I'll coming teh.
Nozomi: ... Do you need a hand?

Gazi stops and turns around, looking at the little girl.

Gazi: Thank you but you've already done so much for us. This is our city, teh, we have to rebuild it by ourself.
Nozomi: Yes ... I see.

The brunette walks into the building, stopping when hears two familiar voices arguing in the next room.
She comes to the door without being seen and observes the twins: Luca is sitting on the wooden box while Arina has finished bandaging her brother's shoulder. They are discussing with loud voice.

Arina: This is everything I can tell you ... believe me!
Luca: Why? Why can't you tell me, your brother, the truth?
Arina: I've already told you, some time ago... take it for good and forget about it.
Luca: No, I can't. Sis ... I know there's more! I wanna know!
Arina: ... Luca ...
Luca: Tell me about it... tell me what happened seven years ago!
Arina: ... I can't. I'm sorry but ... it's something I can't do.
Luca: I'm your brother! I have a fucking right!
Arina: Luca! These are ... Decimo's orders ...
Luca: Ah! Then there is something behind it! I knew he was also involved in this!
Arina: Don't say that, it's not his fault ...
Luca: I didn't mean this! I mean ... if Juudaime gave you an order, then there is something big behind it...

The blonde girl lowers her head with a nostalgic look.

Arina: Whatever happened seven years ago ... it's top secret. It's categorically forbidden to talk to somebody about it.
Luca: But .. how serious is the situation ...? Is it about Juuichidaime?

She doesn't reply.

Luca: Arina, please. Tell me.
Arina: You keep asking but my answer can't change ... I'm sorry.
Luca: Why do you always say that was your fault? What did you do wrong?
Arina: ... Instinctive mistakes of a teenager who had forgotten her main task ...
Luca: Main task? ... Making mistakes is normal for a teenager!
Arina: ... Yes, but ... not me... I've done everything to ... well ...

She sighs, afflicted, bringing a hand on her forehead.

Luca: ... Sis...
Arina: ... I should stop it... All this happened because of me, but I let myself go and ... She was involved. We both fell ...
Luca: ... You can fix that, right? You said that's why you're here now.
Arina: If I am here it's because Decimo told me to.
Luca: No, it's not true. If you're here it is because you want it ... What does your heart want?
Arina: ... Find a remedy for the mistakes we made.
Luca: Why do you always speak in plural?! You have to fix your mistakes, not others' ones!
Arina: No, as her tutor I am guilty of letting her making that mistake, and because of it I made a mistake too. ... I have to save herself from her mistake before it's too late.
Luca: ... All this talk of mistakes it's really confusing ... if only you can be more direct and tell me in no uncertain terms what the hell is happened...

The woman shakes her head, walking to the door and catching the brunette outside of the room.
The little girl has a serious look and Arina's expression becomes frightened, she's about to say something but the Vongola turns and leaves the room, going down the stairs and finding Jun sitting on his suitcase, he's looking in front of him with a thoughtful look.

Nozomi: ... Jun? What are you waiting for?

The boy doesn't respond. He only notices his classmate, his lips slightly open and then close again, lowering his head and looking at the floor.

Nozomi: ... Can you answer me?

She asks, but he shakes his head as a reply.

Nozomi: ... Fine, I'm also not in the mood to chat.

She walks away quickly, leaving the young albino boy deep in thought as she reaches the large hall on the first floor, where the passengers are preparing their cases for the imminent departure.
The pilot, who has reassured everyone and is explaining what will happen in the afternoon, has a smile on his lips, probably due to their release.
The brunette is approaching her suitcase and opens it, looking at her misplace clothes and items that she brought with her for the trip.
She raises her right hand again and brings the palms upward, watching it with sad eyes as if she is imagining something resting on it.
Lost in her imagination, she starts listening to a nostalgic melody.
In that suitcase there is something missing, an object very important for her.
Of course it couldn't be there, it's hidden in her heart. She is surprised that she has remembered about it but, after everything happened, she keeps remembering some past memories and they don't want to disappear in any way.

She remembers the touch of a little hand and warm smile, the sound of the fountain that sprayed fresh water and the music that came from the house, illuminated by artificial lights, and the clear moon above them.
And then the promise, and the nostalgic melody of a music box played between the two, lying on the grass of the cliff with the fresh breeze coming from the sea.

"It would be nice to be able to throw ourself in the sea and swim to the ends of the world toward our destiny. Together, you and me."
"But I ... how could I forget that man?"
"It does not matter. I'll let you forget him!"

With one move she quickly closes her hand, as if she had closed some clamshell object.
Why are she thinking about it now? Perhaps because she has heard the debate between Arina and Luca.

"I hate you. Why have you brought me back in so horrible memories?"

She almost cries, looking at the wall in front of her.

The eyes of her father were so sad and serious at the same time, she was sure that he wouldn't love her again.
Would had she been abandoned? But why? She had only acted for the good of Arina and others.
Why was her father staring at her like that?
She had forgotten, but now she remembered. She remembered how much he was sad.
He was sad for her.
And Arina was crying loudly, asking for forgiveness. What on earth had she done?

"Forgive me! I was wrong, I shouldn't have done it! It's my fault!"

Nozomi shakes her head, slapping herself.

Nozomi: What the hell am I doing? I can't think about it now! I don't regret anything. I acted for the good of all.

"No one is born guilty of something. Yet if the world around us is hard and painful and we aren't able to bear the pain, we surrender and become part and carriers of it."

Nozomi: ... Yeah... it's true. What Gazi said before... should I change my mind? I don't understand ... it's all confusing ...

Someone behind the girl embraces her, squeezing the brunette in a sweet and refreshing hug.
Her aroma is intense as always. How can she always succeed in making her feel good?

Nozomi: ... Do you think I must believe in what he said?
Arashi: You must believe in what your heart says.
Nozomi: But... if he was right then, I... seven years ago ...
Arina: It doesn't matter. Mistakes can be fixed with time ... forget what happened at the time. You were only eight years old, just a child.
Nozomi: Mh ... you ... you're right.
Arashi: ... Nozo ... remember that you aren't alone. We won't leave you, we are your family. We are a big family.
Nozomi: Thank you.
Arashi: You don't have to thank us, but yourself. If you hadn't been a wonderful person you wouldn't have gathered all of us.
Nozomi: How can I be a wonderful person? I'm not like that.
Arashi: Stop with these sad thoughts.
Nozomi: It means that I have to put on that fake smile again.

The storm bites her lip.

Nozomi: You know ... I can't be really happy. It's all a sham ... but ... for the sake of others ...
Arashi: Stop thinking about others and think a bit about yourself. What does make you happy?
Nozomi: Uh ... I don't know ... I have no idea of what it is my happiness.
Arashi: You can ask others ... maybe you will discover your happiness by listening to the people's ones.
Nozomi: And what is your happiness?
Arashi: Of course it's our family.

The storm hugs her again, smiling.

That afternoon the survivors find themselves at the feet of a private plane that would take them finally in Spain.
Erol and Gazi, along with other ex-soldiers who have contributed to the liberation of the city, are helping the passengers.
When they are reunited in front of the group of Vongola, the two former leaders observe them with a serious look.

Erol: ... Thank you for your great help, guys. Without you it wouldn't be possible such a victory with so few dead ...
Arina: The victims are still victims. Anyway, get back on your feet and set up a great city.

The blonde girl smiles and greets them, walking to the plane followed by Masato and the taciturn Jun. Even Cloud and Shinji go taking their place without saying a word.
Luca and Kaito, however, greet the two with affection and an huge sad look.
The brunette looks serious at Gazi and then smiles.

Nozomi: When I'll come back I want to see a beautiful Mirjad.

The man is surprised but he returns the smile.

Gazi: Of course, we'll show you a Mirjad full of peace and hope for the future, teh!
Erol: So, do you want to come back?
Nozomi: Why not? It looks like a nice place!

Even Arashi and Haname overstep the three and go to take their place on the plane, leaving them alone.

Gazi: Vongola Eleven ... thank you for your support and help.
Nozomi: I'm the one who have to thank you for your help. Thanks to you we can make better use of our flames. And then ... you said some ... uhm ... particular things.

The man smiles.

Gazi: If you really want to listen to something else ... I'll be there, teh. Consider us as supporters and allies of the Vongola Eleventh family.

Also the brunette smiles, this time a genuine one.

Nozomi: Uh! Yes! Thank you very much!

She is about to leave but the man calls her again.

Gazi: ... Don't despair, we all make mistakes. The strength lies in recognizing them and go ahead with no fear.
Nozomi: ... with no fear?
Gazi: Exactly. You can be a good leader, if you want. Just be sure of what you want and understand.

Says, now seriously looking at her eyes.

Gazi: Understanding people and everything around you is very important for a leader. Don't forget about it: never judge anyone and anything. Just understand.

"Just Understand."

"You can't understand."

Her father's words suddenly echo in her head, immobilizing her. They are mixing with Gazi's statements, hurting her mind and her heart.

"You still don't understand, Nozomi. This is the problem."

"... is this my... problem?"

Nozomi: ... I don't have to judge ... I must understand everyone, good and bad ... and all the situations around me, right?
Gazi: Yeah. Also remember what I told you, teh. There aren't evil and good people, if you divide them in those categories you're putting them in different groups without understanding them.
Nozomi: ... So each person have to be understood.
Gazi: Eh, you learn fast, girl! You're very good, teh!

The brunette giggles, blushing.

Nozomi: Hey, you're right. After all I am the future Vongola boss!

Those words seems to have opened up a big gate for her, leading the girl in a different world.
Suddenly something about her discussion with the tenth boss is getting more clear, as if she's going to understand her father.
He said that she doesn't understand, so she must understand no matter what. She can't hide behind his unsaid words, she must understands them. It's her important trial as a boss.

The aircraft leaves Mirjad and their inhabitants behind, along with Gazi, Erol and those weeks of terror and concerns, giving relief and peace to the passengers.
Those strong emotions becomes happiness when the airplane finally is crossing the Mediterranean Sea, reaching the Iberian Peninsula.