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100k+ words! Oh my God I am so happy!
This chapter will be in Giotto's perspective and the next update will be back on the main story line.
Thank you all for sticking through and without a further ado, the next chapter!
Giotto Vongola was a content man. Besides the stress of protecting the good folks of Italy as a vigilante group (which somehow turned into a mafia along the way) and the constant mind games of greedy authority members, he was quite content, happy even. Of course that was before a certain French Skylark had to come along and ruin his day of sunshine.
It all started this morning as he and his guardians travelled to the neighboring town for some 'legal' business. Honestly the Vongola was only instated as a vigilante group to protect his town but now, it turned into a famiglia with almost half of Italy under his control and today was no different. After settling some disputes and overthrowing a corrupt system, the neighboring town pleaded to Giotto directly to protect their home.
(Which at this point, how could Giotto reject their offer?)
Though, he still held slight worry that someday he would gain too much authority and the people would fight over a power dispute, forgetting their original goal.
So in the carriage, he had brought everyone along: his guardians, Elena (as per Daemon's request), and even Alaude. Although Giotto didn't exactly know of Alaude's reason he did keep an ear out and the word on the street (or a very nosy G) was that Alaude was chasing down a child slavery ring and subsequently a string of disappearances of young girls and women all over Italy.
After what seemed to be about four hours later, the clopping of the horses stopped as the coachman signaled that they had arrived. Daemon got off first and guided Elena down like a gentleman as the other members of the Vongola soon followed after. Thankfully the coach had been parked in an isolated part of the town so they didn't attract much attention (a beautiful woman accompanied by seven handsome men, who wouldn't dare to sneak a peak?).
Giotto stretched his stiff neck glad to be off the carriage. Seeing as it was quite the trip needless to say Giotto was glad to be outside again. He was never one to just sit idly around twiddling his thumbs after all. The others did the same with the exception of Aluade. It had been almost a minute since they had arrived and already Aluade parted to focus on his own investigation.
"Alaude please wait," Giotto said, promptly stopping him.
Alaude's pace halted, not bothering to turn his head. "Hn?"
"Please be gentle to any ladies you come across. We wouldn't want them to be scared like last time."
Giotto saw Alaude grunt in annoyance (but understanding) as he left with his men in tow. He briefly sighed hoping that Alaude would at least try to heed his warnings. After all, the last thing they needed was another mass of frightened women.
(Oh, the horrors...)
Suddenly a hand grasped his shoulder as he turned his head and saw his good friend and Consigliere, G. Taking out a lit cigar from his mouth G nodded towards the Churches. "Oi, Primo let's go."
Giotto let out another quick sigh and started to walk towards the Church where they were to pay their respects to the land's priests. It was an honour being recognized by such people and yet an unsettling feeling kept stirring in his heart. It wasn't one of danger or malcontent but an odd buzzing, inflaming feeling in his core. Giotto sighed once more trying to push past the feeling but unfortunately unable to.
"Primo? Is everything alright?" Asari asked seeing his friend so distracted, "would you like to skip the meeting today? I'm sure the priests will understand if you are not feeling well, de gozaru."
"For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. Matthew 6:14," Knuckles said encouragingly, "I can talk to the fathers of the church for you Primo."
Lampo, scratching his head, protested. "I didn't come all the way out here just to leave again. Why did you drag me out here Primo? I wanted to stay home. I'm tired. I'm hungry...I haven't even eaten anything yet…" Lambo could go on and on however one glare from G shut him right up.
Elena gave a warm, yet worried look. "Primo, please rest if something is wrong."
Giotto shook his head and gave a small smile in assurance. "No, I'm fine Elena."
Elena smiled but it didn't reach her eyes. "Primo."
Giotto's gaze slightly faltered under hers (a silent smile was more frightening than any mafia family). "I understand, please stop if you will Elena." She chuckled breaking the silent gaze. "It...It was just a feeling I had."
Asari's eye sharpened as did G's and Knuckle's. "Your hyper intuition?"
"I believe so."
Lampo, who was dragging his feet straightened up at the news in fear. Every time Giotto's intuition went off, he had to fight and get serious. Lampo noticeably walked slower trying to inch away from the crowd just in case they wanted him to do something. Meanwhile Daemon merely chuckled in amusement before Elena gave him a subtle look. Straightening up, Daemon smiled at his lover and led Elena closer to him for protection as Lampo gagged at the sight.
(No, not because he had anything against love but it was just plain scary seeing the Daemon Spade so…affectionate.)
G grunted and put the cigar back into his mouth. "How many this time?"
Giotto shook his head. "No, it's not the premeditation of war this time. In fact, it's nothing dangerous- or so I feel."
Lampo quirked a brow (after breathing out in relief). "So then what? I don't have to fight right, Primo? Cause I really don't want to, da mono ne."
Giotto's natural smile faltered as he continued to walk. "I'm not so sure… I feel as if something will happen however I do not know what."
"Well we do have some time before our meeting starts; why not walk around the town for a while? After all, if we are to protect this town, we must get acquainted with the people correct?" Asari said, trying to relieve his friend from his troubles, "we are all aware of how you like to familiarize yourself with the people, de gozaru."
"But! You can't go running off like you did last time Primo. We may be in charge of this town but the target on your back won't disappear anytime soon," G warned.
"You had us worried that time you know," Knuckle added.
"Last time?" Elena asked looking up at Daemon.
"When we got our watches. You were visiting...Lady Melania during that time," Daemon replied.
"I see." Elena nodded. "Well then Primo, as long as you are careful, I don't see why we cannot not have a few moments to ourselves. It would have been even better if Alaude could have joined us, but I'm aware of how much he values solitude."
Giotto visibly brightened at his friends' and guardians' consideration. "I understand. Let's go now shall we? I'm sure Lampo is quite starved."
"Finally someone noticed," Lampo mumbled.
The rest of the way was filled with friendly banter and small talk as they all passed by the sweet shop for Lampo along the way. Though Giotto did truly enjoy talking with the townsfolk and spending some quality time with his guardians and friends, the odd sensation tugging at his core only intensified as time went by.
Walking, suddenly he felt G drag him by his collar and enter an empty alleyway leaving the rest of the party.
Surprised at the sudden gesture (and mildly curious) Giotto raised an eyebrow. "Yes, G?"
G glared him down as released Giotto from his grasp and threw the cigarette on the floor- grinding it into the ground. "Okay, what the hell is going on?"
"G what are you-?"
"Don't play this game with me Giotto. I know when my best friend is worried over something." G's glare intensified tenfold at the thought of Giotto withholding information from him. Again. "It's either stupid or something that concerns only you and you don't want us to find out. So spill before you hurt yourself idiot."
Giotto sighed knowing he couldn't pull a fast one over his best friend. "Calm down G. I promise to explain so please stop glaring at me."
G huffed but obliged. "So the hell's wrong this time? Is it- Wait… It's because of that weird feeling from before isn't it?"
Giotto closed his eyes, feeling both relieved from confiding in someone and increasingly jittery from the amplifying, flaming sensation. "Yes, it's been growing since we've set foot into this town. I'm more than positive that it's nothing dangerous however…"
"Tch. But the weird feeling's getting stronger, right? You sure it doesn't hurt?"
Giotto gave an uneven smirk. "G, I'm sure I would've died by now if that were so."
"Don't you sass me. Your death isn't something to take lightly."
Giotto saw his eyes twitch in frustration as he gave a reassuring hand on his shoulder. "I'll be fine G, I promise. We just have to make sure we're prepared for anything. I don't know when but my intuition is pulling at my core that something will happen soon."
Giotto gave the best puppy look (which harshly clashed with his sharp features).
"Fine, now back off before I make that feeling a reality," G said disgusted (Giotto backed off chuckling), "I'll believe you this time Giotto but I swear the next time you lie to me about your health-"
"Sì, sì, Madre," Giotto teased.
G on the other hand, felt a vein pop. "Giotto, I'm going to fucking kill you."
"Oh? And who was the one just talking about the welfare of my health?" Giotto replied with a goading grin.
"Giotto, I'm going to fucking hurt you."
Giotto let out a cheerful ring of laughs knowing that empty threats were just a way G showed embarrassment. "Alright, let's join the others before-"
"Somebody help me!"
Giotto's and G's ears perked up at the sound of young girl's screaming voice as they immediately rushed towards the plea.
"Oi, that was a little girl's voice right?" G asked running with Giotto to the source of the screaming.
"Go away!"
"Yes, and from the sounds of it, she's being chased," he replied narrowing his eyes. If there was one thing Giotto hated (of the very few he had) was the mistreatment of innocent children,women, and men.
"Stop chasing me you kinky fucker!"
And now sexual abuse!? He would never forgive this vile deed done on a precious, innocent child.
It was at during this very moment where he remembered Alaude's case about the child slavery ring. Giotto's heart burned, remembering the faces of the scared, soulless eyes of the manipulated children from the last time they went on a rescue mission for the same exact reason. With the resolve to protect the poor child, Giotto's eyes ignited full of Sky flames.
Running, the two Vongola members noticed that the voice was heading towards the market as they leapt over the littered crates and broken fences- taking a short cut to the area. Along the way, they regrouped with the rest of the Vongola members who had also had heard the cry for help.
Unfortunately for them, the market was crowded, full of lingering people with heavy, large clothing. Giotto clicked his tongue cursing his luck but ran through the crowd regardless (giving quick apologies as he bummed into them). He scanned through the crowd, and saw a mass of people down the street running away or screaming in panic.
'There!' he thought running faster.
Getting closer to the screaming, Giotto's speed faltered for a moment as his eyes widened when he saw a little girl with very… revealing clothes and a predominately Asian physic was running away from…
'A-Alaude?'
Following closely behind him was the rest of the Vongola members who were as equally surprised.
G for one was dumbfounded. "Alaude!? The hell!?"
"I thought we told Alaude to stop extremely scaring children!" Knuckles roared running at an incredible pace.
"Indeed we did. And my, that little lady has some speed, de gozaru," Asari added.
"We were that far away? Man, that brat is so loud… but then again, who wouldn't when a 'kinky fucker' is chasing you?" Lampo whined, forcibly running with Knuckles. Then he jumped at the realization of what he just said. "Honest to God, no one tell Alaude I said that!"
"Do not use the Lord's name in vain, Lampo!"
"Daemon, it's very rude to leave a lady alone in the streets," Elena said running towards the group.
Daemon stopped offering a hand towards his lover. "Nufufufu. I apologize Elena, however I merely wished for you to rest instead of chasing some nonsensical, exhausting situation. Your health and the Vongola whom you love so dearly is the reason for my existence, my pride."
"Daemon…" Elena said his name affectionately.
A pink aura veiled the two love birds as roses started to bloom around them.
Lampo gagged again.
"Oi, save that crap for later!" G yelled annoyed.
Giotto chose to ignore his family's bickering as he ran towards the parting crowd. He spotted the girl running through the crowd with her…eyes closed with cuts and filth littering her face?
'Goodness gracious, Alaude what the hell did you do? I thought we had a talk about this already!'
Seeing as she was running like a madman, Giotto abruptly stopped as she crashed into his leg.
Giotto's eyes widened when her body was flung back to the floor on impact. "I apologize! Are you alright-"
Suddenly, the burning sensation in his chest erupted seeing the little girl as even more surprisingly, the girl started to fade away into thin air in a quick burst of flames. Grasping a hand over his chest, Giotto fell to his knees- the sudden rage of overwhelming sensations leaving a sizzling feeling.
Catching his breath, he stood up, seeing a befuddled Alaude with his special handcuffs out. At least he got something out of this experience.
"Primo!"
He turned his head at his title being called and saw his family running towards him with faces of either fear or of stunned confusion. G stopped in front of Giotto roughly grasping his collar and pulling him towards him.
"The fuck was that!?" G yelled, face inches away from Giotto. "The hell did you do this time Primo!?"
"I didn't do anything G… At least not intentionally…" Giotto said equally as confused. Quickly gaining his composure he gave a side glance to G in which afterwards his collar was freed. Giotto shifted his attention towards Alaude and the others. "Everyone, I believe it's best if we discuss this later."
"W-Why?" Lampo asked slight fear evident in his voice.
G smacked Lampo over the head and whispered pulling him close. "Look around brat. Do you really want to cause a riot?"
Lampo tilted his head and looked over G's shoulder to see the faces of fear or angry confusion on the townsfolk as he finally got what G was saying. "W-What do we do?"
"Nufufufu~ Did you enjoy that everyone?" Daemon announced, grabbing the public's attention. "This was all an illusion created by none other than me, Daemon Spade. This was set up to showcase our power and resolve to you as the Vongola."
"To protect this town, to protect those we love, and to protect the weak. We have merely given you just a glimpse of our assistance that we may provide." Elena, catching wind of what Daemon was doing, joined in. "My, Daemon that was a wonderful play. You almost had me fooled, my love. The Vongola is very impressive indeed."
With that, the crowd started to murmur convinced by their act.
"I see, I heard that one of the esteemed Vongola members could set up such elaborate plays!"
"Oh my, wonderful show! It had me just gasping!"
"The Vongola's power is truly magnificent!"
"That fire with the pink and orange colours was just beautiful!"
As the crowd started to cheer, Daemon took a bow as he gave the signal for them to leave. Silently thanking Daemon, Giotto and the others left the premises under the nose of the distracted people.
As they were escaping Giotto clutched his chest wondering what that weird sensation was. No doubt it was connected to that girl. It wasn't unpleasant to say but it was like Pandora's box. At first it was an odd sensation full of something akin to pain yet numbness. But at the very last moment, warmth flushed into his system as if the feeling itself was an illusion to begin with.
After making it to a safer, more isolated location, the Vongola members panted, exhausted from the day's run.
"Okay… Wha… What the hell was that all about Giotto!?" G yelled through every heavy breath.
Giotto furrowed his brows trying to piece the information together. "I'm not sure G…"
"That little girl just disappeared in YOUR flames Giotto! Hell, the only people I know that can use Sky flames are Sepira and Ricardio! And besides the fact they aren't here, if it were Ricardio, he would've burned this town to ashes!"
"Calm down G. It's not good to fight amongst ourselves. I'm sure Giotto needs a moment to piece this together like any of us," Asari said trying to calm G down, "I am to assume you are the same as well, Alaude?"
"Hnn." Alaude merely grunted as he veiled his emotions with his stoic expression.
Knuckles gasped. "That's right! Alaude why were you chasing an innocent child!? Our heavenly father may forgive your sins but what you did was extremely unacceptable! We told you multiple times to be more sympathetic towards children and people alike!"
"Quiet. Your voice is annoying."
Giotto stepped in his eyes full of resolve. "Please Alaude, tell us what happened."
"I have no obligation to disclose any of my information to you Primo."
Giotto held strong knowing Alaude's personality by now. "Alaude, I know you are in charge of a very important case. I am willing to exchange the knowledge I have for the reports on your events today. To speak the truth, is very little but with your deductive insight, it may prove substantial to your cause."
Alaude glared weighing his options but soon after closed his eyes in coming to a conclusion. "I will arrange a report for you by tomorrow morning." With that said and done, Alaude left off to continue his own investigation.
Giotto smiled at his retreating form. "Thank you Alaude." Turning to Daemon, Giotto closed his eyes in appreciation. "Thank you to you as well Daemon. I hate to have lied however I would much like to avoid confusion and a potential outbreak caused from a harmless unknown."
Daemon laughed giving a loving glance towards Elena. "It was no trouble Primo. The Vongola is to be strong. As for me, I'll sacrifice anything to make it so."
"Thank you Daemon. I'm sincerely grateful for your devotion, my friend. Now, I'm sure you are all curious to know what happened." Everyone nodded as Giotto continued. "I don't know much, and I'm sure Alaude will be of better help however I will tell you my side of what happened."
It was a long day after the story was told. For one, everyone was still dumbfounded on what just happened- especially Giotto. From odd feelings, both good and bad, with the mixture of the mystery of flames, all he had definitively was one thing:
The mysterious little girl would forever be etched into his memory.
I had a lot of fun writing the interactions in this chapter and I hope you did too! Hopefully nothing came as too OOC or anything...
Please leave a review and see you next chapter! (^ㅅ^)/