Trip 28: Preparations
A/N Problems don't just go away by ignoring them. If it's bottled up for too long, it's going to explode. Just saying.
Btw, anyone notice how my titles are getting shorter and shorter? Haha, it's not that I am trying to make it cool or anything, I just don't know what title to put. OTL
"What did you want to talk about?" Cerve asks me curiously, "And so secretly nonetheless." He looks around, inspecting our surrounding with a calculative air.
I ignore his question and nod at the unfamiliar looking man in sign of acknowledgement, "I have a few questions for you." There are things he is better kept in the dark; he has protected me ever since I came, now it is my turn to return the favor.
If Daemon is going to move soon, I have to get ready to counter him. Even though I am not entirely sure that he is preparing something, I can't take any risk.
"Go ahead."
I stay silent a few seconds to choose my words. Cerve is smart; I don't want him to pick up anything I've asked and find out what I really want.
"What about me did you tell Giotto's guardians?"
Cerve shudders indifferently his shoulders, "I only told them that you came from another world."
"That's all?"
He pauses for a second to, I suppose, think over what he said to the Guardians, then turn his attention to me, "Well, I also told them that I sent you two to a place where you can heal better."
I internally let out a breath in relief.
Good. It seems like Daemon doesn't know about my power or my knowledge on his future betrayal. In fact, I even doubt Cerve does. This is very advantageous to me since I can train myself strong enough so that when Daemon strikes, I am ready whereas he is taken by surprise. This power of mine is a trump card; I can't carelessly show it to anyone. The problem is, this way, I won't be able to practice as I wish.
Speaking of my power, I'll have find a way with Cerve to postpone the inheritance problem. I mean, it shouldn't cause any trouble, since between the time Cerve died and I arrived, there are other people who succeeded the family.
I also have to make sure that the blue haired boy I saw today really is who I think he is. I mean, after all, according to the manga, he shouldn't appear in this time. However, the whole thing with the six paths of reincarnation might have something to do with it.
"Say…" Cerve's calm voice cuts my thoughts, "What are you planning?"
I look at him in surprise, shocked at how perceptive he can be. I planned to keep him away from my plans, since going against Daemon will surely stir up troubles, and I want to at least protect someone if I could help it. No matter how harmless he looks, Cerve still lived way longer than I have, not to add that he was the Eighth who directed a huge powerful family. It seems like I overestimated myself. However, I am not ready to give in that easily. Who knows, maybe he is just testing me, waiting for me to confirm his uncertainties by myself.
"I am not planning anything." I stand his gaze and steady my breath. It is true, I am not; I am just hiding some things from him, that's all.
He frowns at me, obviously not buying my lie, "And you expect me to believe you?"
"I told you, I am not hiding anything."
He shakes his head and laughs slightly, "Did anyone ever tell you that you're a horrible liar?"
Giotto did, but I can't possibly be that bad, right? I mean, that blond has hyper intuition. It's cheating.
Before I can reply him, he points to our surrounding, "First of all, you told me to meet you in a dream. As far as I am concerned, nobody can get in our dreams unless we let them. Totally not sketchy. Secondly, you asked what information about you I gave to the Guardians. So subtle. And don't even let me get started on how relieved you looked when you realize that I didn't tell them much. Thirdly, I don't know if you've noticed, but every time you lie, you always stare straight in the other person's eyes as if to show how sincere you are." He yawns boringly, "Girl, you have to work on your acting skills."
Well, when he puts it that way, it does make it obvious that I am lying… Okay fine! I am a horrible liar, so what? At least I tried. Someone should bake a cake for my effort.
Sigh… I guess there is no choice for me but to tell him everything.
After listening to my non existing plan, Cerve bursts in laugher.
Wow, that really helps my self-esteem. First I got teased by Giotto's bunch, now I am laughed at by a ghost. What a wonderful day.
I stare at him, trying not to growl out in annoyance. It seems like my accusing gaze is only fuelling the man's laugh.
This unfamiliar face before me is even more irritating, since I feel like I am being laughed at by a stranger. Because we are in a dream, Cerve's appearance is the same as the one he has when he made the Blood Ritual with Grey. He has the same crimson hair as Victor and the same yellow-reddish eyes, but the shape of his eyes are more slender and his nose is pointier. Overall, he looks like a fox. To be honest, the two look quite alike. They are blood relatives after all. Still, Cerve is definitively the annoying one. Now that I think about it, Victor has quite a soft feature. It's all this old ghost's fault for ruining that cute boy's image.
"Alright, alright, alright." Cerve wipes a drop of tear away from his eyes and sniffs loudly, almost chocking in laugher once again when he glances at me, "Sorry about that."
Honestly, what is so funny?
He sniffs once again and finally calms down, "You are adorable." He shakes his head in amusement, "You should know how to protect yourself before even thinking about protecting others."
I avert my eyes from his glance in embarrassment. I got carried away again, thinking that my power will be enough to protect everyone when, in reality, I can only tease Giotto when he lets me. Besides, I only know that Daemon will betray Giotto, that is all. I don't even know any detail about it.
I fidget a bit before asking Cerve in a voice barely above a whisper, "Can you help me?"
Much to my annoyance, he laughs once again. Can't help it, I am asking a favor here, there is no way I can let my irritation take over.
Although, much to my pleasant surprise, this time, Cerve calms down quickly. He takes on a serious face and nods to me, "You are right to want to learn more about your power. Even though I would like to help, there is nothing I can do; at least, not now. You have to learn how to manage it on your own. Until you have at least a basic control, I can't intervene. Otherwise, you might not be able to control it later on, when it is stronger. After all, we are different. Applying my way of controlling my power on yours won't do any good."
I thought that all my practices on the island should be a good enough "foundation", considering how I was able to manipulate the water quite fluently. If Cerve is telling me this, I guess he knows what I am capable of, but still deem me not ready. Sigh… I guess I'll have to learn how to fight in a different way. After all, I don't have much time.
"Still, I will give you the Book. It has information about all the previous generation, including mine." Cerve stands up and stretches with a grimace, "Try to make something out of it."
I thank him wholeheartedly.
"Oh, by the way, don't worry about the inheritance thing." He yawns loudly, "It's no big deal. I mean, my family has come so far without someone who came from another world, and we certainly can protect Vongola from the problem too. Besides, Vongola isn't ranked as the second most powerful Mafia family for nothing. Even without us, they can manage on their own. Unlike Roven's foundation where the majority of the members are from my family, they have a strong base not easily crushed. Although I'll have to borrow Grey for some time to calm things faster. He'll bring you the Book after he is done. In the meantime, do some training."
So what Daemon told me today isn't totally false, but he must be exaggerating.
I can't help but get the feeling that I've being tricked again, "Then why did you tell me that the situation is very grave for both Vongola and Cerve family."
"Dude, there were at least a dozen pairs of eyes watching us at that time. I had to put up an act."
…What?
"Well, let's talk about this matter another time. For now, just try to get along with the Vongola family's members." Cerve yawns once again, his form slowly turning blurry, "I am going home now, ciao."
Before I could call out to him, he vanishes completely, leaving me alone.
I stare at the empty chair before me, somehow unable to leave this place. I guess I'll be able to leave when my body wakes up, or something. This is, after all, inside a dream.
Well, I guess I can use this time to sort out the information I know about the current situation.
Cerve is still hiding something from me, which I am sure of. I don't believe he is truly "tired", as he is displaying. I mean, ghosts don't need sleep, do they? I don't think so. So then, why is he trying to get away in such hurry before I could ask him any question? I didn't even get to talk much, except when I told him about my insecurities concerning Daemon. It is as if he got everything he wanted to know from me while keeping reserves hiding. I believe that he wouldn't plan anything against me, but I don't like being kept in the dark. Besides, who is the person Cerve's act is directed to? Who would want to see such desperation from the red haired man, talking about problems between the Vongola and Cerve family? Still, I have a feeling that the illusionist is deeply involved. After all, he came to see me on purpose just to warn me not to intervene. Considering that I am now Cerve Sixth, I guess I am a potential threat to his plans, whatever they are.
Now, the thing is, I am worried about Daemon. Sure, he is planning on betraying Giotto, but that is the future. And the future can always change. What if somehow, we manage to convince him otherwise? Wouldn't it be unfair to stamp this accusation on him when nothing happened yet? After the feast they prepared for us, I see them as my own family. Wary, I am, but I don't want to make schemes against any of them. Still, a blind belief on Daemon could lead to catastrophes. That's why I'd rather take on all the sin and prepare everything in an eventual treachery from the illusionist than leave the course of things happen. It might be selfish to say this, but this is all for Giotto. I can't believe how painful it would be for him if he finds out that one of his most trusted friends is planning to stab him in the back. I don't want him to be hurt.
Also, that blue haired boy... If it really is him…
I smile bitterly, disgusted at myself. Still, I have to do it.
Mukuro Rokudo… if he really is that boy, then I believe he will be a great asset in my plan against Daemon.
For now, I have to get along with the Vongola family's members, every single one of them, and try to bring them to Giotto's side. The more support we have, the better.
Also, since I can't freely practice my power, I'll have to find someone to teach me how to fight with a weapon… I guess I'll learn how to handle guns and knives. Nothing fancy like the guardians, just the basic.
It feels good to be home. Although…
I stare at the building before me in disbelief. Turning my head to look at Giotto, I notice that his eyes are rested upon me with a wide grin.
"Is this…" I point to everything surrounding us, trying to articulate.
He nods hastily, pushing an enthusiastic Lampo away. "Do you like it? This is our house."
I frown at his use of word. This isn't a house, this is a fucking castle surrounded by a maze of trees and highly expensive looking fountains. I knew that Vongola is rich, but I never knew this kind of rich.
This is going to be our house from now on. The Vongla HQ sure is impressive. Compared to the one before, which I thought that it was the HQ, this one gives off an intimidating vibe. To be honest, I don't really like it, but I have to get accustomed sooner or later.
The front door is wide open, revealing the extravagance inside. Two straight lines of domestics stretch from the path leading to the castle's entrance to the majestic staircase inside.
Gilbert approaches us, his butler attire perfect like usual.
"Boss, Madam, welcome home." He bows toward us, the rest of the servants follow his lead. I tremble slightly at their orderly movement, actually feeling intimidated by this scene.
"Gilbert, long times no see." Giotto pats the butler's shoulder friendly, earning the latter's polite smile. "Elleira, let's go inside." He then takes my hand and drags me toward the castle cheerfully, leaving his guardians sighing helplessly behind.
Soon, we part our ways and go in our respective room.
After the servant closes the door, I immediately slouch down on the ground, feeling extremely exhausted. Giotto sits down beside me and takes me in his arms. I lean on him lazily, not even bothering to open my eyes.
"Not used to it?" Soft kisses rain down on my closed eyelids and travel to my cheeks.
"How do you manage to keep up your calm front for so long?" I ruffle Giotto's hair, enjoying their softness. "Aren't you tired?"
"Of course I get tired." He lifts me up and walks toward a door, "But sometime, I don't have much choice other than to keep up the act."
I open the door for him, "And I have to do it too."
Giotto smiles wryly and puts me down in the cold bathroom's tiles, "Sorry."
"Don't apologize." I caress his hair and rub out cheeks together. "I am Cerve Sixth now, so I'll have to learn it sooner or later."
"No need to rush."
I close my eyes wearily and lean on Giotto. There is need to rush. I have to learn so much in so little time, and failure isn't an option.
After we finish bathing, it is already supper time. A grand meal awaits us in the grandiose dining room. Even though everything looks so glamorous, with expensive looking silverware neatly placed on the table, big candles burning brightly, it gives out a chilly atmosphere. This is not how a family should be, I think bitterly as I look at the long table and the alienated chairs. I'd rather squeeze in a little room and eat with them to our content, than be served by stoic servants and be distant between each other.
It feels like an eternity before the supper finally ends. I follow Giotto out of the room in a daze, dead tired. Still, I can't show anything. There are people all around us. I wouldn't want them to see me as some frail lady who always clings on Giotto. I won't be able to make a good impression on them anymore, and that is something I want to avoid at all cost.
After biding goodnight to the guardians, we slowly make our way back to our room. I collapse once again the moment the door is closed. Giotto chuckles at me, covering his mouth so the servants outside won't notice anything. He eventually bends over from laugher and lies beside me, shaking silently with his hands firmly clasped over his mouth. I grimace in annoyance and kick him. Giotto wipes his tears away, his lips twitching nonstop as he tries in vain not to laugh, only to snort a second later and lies back down on the floor.
"I give you one minute to stop." I get up, walk over to the bed and crash on it with an ungraceful humph of satisfaction. Ignoring the blond's irritating snickers is hard, considering he is laughing at me for reasons unknown to me.
Still, I manage to drift into my own bubble after awhile. This situation is bad. I couldn't even stand one day being here, how am I supposed to get on good term with the Vongola family members as Cerve asked me to? It isn't like I am unable to put up an act, since I already did it before. I don't want to deceive my own family. It just feels wrong.
Sure, Giotto puts up an act too, but he has to keep up his image. I even think that his family knows him well enough to not criticize him for it; they would acclaim him with praise and respect, for he is willing to make efforts to look good for the family. Whereas me, someone who came out of the blue and barge in their lives, I think the level of tolerance is low in my case.
A side of the bed sinks down. I turn over to look at Giotto, all playful teasing are erased from his face.
"Elleira," He crawls closer and rests next to me, "don't be afraid. Everything will be alright soon."
I frown slightly hearing this. Something doesn't feel quite right, but I can't put my finger on it.
I wrap my arms around his neck and lean closer, "I am not afraid, just a bit unused to it. I'll be fine in a few days, don't worry."
Giotto replies me with a smile. He pats my head comfortingly, but even his caresses can't brush my insecurities away. My need for power grows stronger.
G lets us one whole day off to explore the manor. Well, more like letting Giotto drag me around. Everything is new here. I don't recognize any of the servants, and they seem to not appreciate me much. I would like to get on good term with them though. Seeing this makes me feel grateful toward Cerve. If he didn't have Giotto drink that potion, this situation might very well greet me back then.
I blink away the calculative glint in my eyes when Giotto looks at me.
"Elleira, let's go see the kitchen." He exclaims cheerfully and proceeds to drag me off again.
I grab his arm and pull him back, earning a confused look from him. "Giotto, you should go to work." I pat his cheek and flatten the wrinkles that appeared between his eyebrows.
"But I don't want to."
"You've being missing for months. I am sure G just told you to spend the day with me because he wants me to feel at home here." I gesticulate to my surrounding, showing a smile of ease, "Well I am home."
Giotto makes a grimace and shakes his head, "You don't understand, I don't want to work."
What a big baby.
"Now, go finish your work. I have my own things to do too." Albeit I too want to spend time with Giotto, I can't. He already spent so much time with me on the island; I can't have him all to myself now and put him in a difficult position in his family. If what he told me about the problems of people in Vongola starting to disagree with him is true, reason more it is more me to do my best to help him in any way I can. Besides, I really do have some things to tend to.
I ask a passing maid to lead me to G's office, pushing by the way Giotto away. I see him standing there, looking like a lost puppy until I turn around a corner. Once he is out of sight, I nod to the maid with a faint smile. She slightly bows in reply and begins to lead me to G silently.
"Master Spade." The maid bows respectfully to the illusionist who seems to be merely passing by. Coincidence? I think not.
He stops before us, eyeing me with a smirk. I sustain his gaze with as much calm as I can manage.
"Carmela, I have a few words to say to Mrs. Vongola." He turns his attention to the maid, shifting his piercing eyes from me. "Would you be kind enough to bring some tea to my office?"
"Yes, Master Spade." That said, she once again bows respectfully to Daemon, then nods at me, before walking away.
"Not used to their cold attitude?" Once the maid is out of sight, the illusionist asks me with a hint of amusement in his voice.
I follow him to his office, which is only a few corridors away, "I expected worse."
"Nufufu, I wonder what made you change so much." He chuckles slightly and opens the door to his office for me, "You are quite down-to-earth now."
It is not like I have a choice.
He waltzes to the couch, humming a happy tune that creeps me out of my mind. I follow him nonetheless and warily sit down on the place he indicated me.
We stay in an uncomfortably tense silence until Carmela comes back with a tray of tea and pastries. She sets everything on the table, bows respectfully once again to Daemon and slightly bends her knees in my direction in sign of, I suppose, acknowledgment.
"Carmela, can you wait outside?" The illusionist asks the maid with a smile, his tone gentle but refusing any room for discussion.
She bows silently and walks out.
"They only respect those who have power." Daemon's chuckle rings beside me as he pours tea in my cup. "After all, who would like to serve a scrawny lady like you who can't even defend herself, but also badly injured Vongola Primo. Besides, Vongola has being under attack ever since other families got news that our Boss has being missing with his wife."
I frown at his words.
Did he intentionally omit our conversation? I remember having clearly enunciated about my doubts on internal conflicts. Why is he acting as if he never heard me say it, and threatens me to stay out?
"I don't want to repeat the same words twice." I reply him coldly.
I don't understand what he is planning, and I really don't like it.
He merely chuckles in reply and shakes his head as if to celebrate an early victory.
"My lady, I apologize for any misunderstandings I might have caused. I am the Vongola family's mist guardian, and I will be until my death. There is no reason for you to be so worked up over my loyalty toward my family.
"Or… are you accusing me of treason? My fair lady, even though you are Primo's wife, you can't blame an innocent man for, please pardon me, obscure reasons. It is not wise to do so."
I slowly place my left hand over my right, trying my best to stop their shaking.
After taking in a few long breaths, I squeeze out a smile, "Of course not. There is no way I would doubt you."
"Really?" The illusionist narrows his eyes slightly, "Then I must have gotten the wrong impression."
I grit my teeth in frustration. He's playing around, I know that, and I must keep a calm head, but his sarcastic words are like oil spilled on the anger burning inside me.
We keep silent for a short moment until he breaks our eye contact, much to my relief.
"I believe…" Daemon leans back lazily, his eyes scrutinizing me like a viper, "you are aware of the future, or at least, part of it."
I take time to steady my voice before answering him as firmly as possible, "Don't be ridiculous."
He lets out a chuckle and continues to stare at me.
I close my eyes tiredly. There is no need for me to hide anymore; his suspicions are long confirmed before he even asked. No matter how much I deny, he wouldn't believe it, "What do you want?"
He leans forward. I can see madness twinkling in his eyes, "How about a deal?"
"What? You want me to help you bring down Giotto so Ricardo can take over?"
The illusionist blinks a few times, looking a bit taken aback. Then, he suddenly laughs loudly. I stare at him in inquiry, an uncomfortable feeling rising in my guts.
"Really," He wipes a drop of tears away from his eyes, "you are not made to be in the Mafia."
I grit my teeth in anger.
"But well, thank you for confirming my doubts."
It takes me a few seconds to realize that I felt right in his trap. Daemon only guessed that I am aware of the future, but I, being the big idiot, only gave a definite close on his suspicions.
Yet again, the feeling of being manipulated by him envelops me. I always knew that he has the ability to wrap anyone around his finger, but I didn't think that it would be this terrifying. It feels as if he can see right through me and focus on my weaknesses. In this case, I guess he knows that I am easily provoked, so he always stabs me where it hurts to most to make me lose my calm.
If he is so apt in manipulation, I don't understand why only a few days ago he lost his calm when threatening me to stay out of his way. Well, he didn't explicitly threaten me. Rather, he merely answered my questions. Still, I am pretty sure that he is; every cell of his being is screaming about his hostile intentions.
Now, he acts like a completely different person since the last time we talked alone. Last time, he would narrow his eyes in displeasure or grip his scythe whenever I hit a spot. Actually, the fact that he materialized his weapon is already weird enough. It feels as if he is doing so to protect and guard himself against me. Not to add that if he really wanted me to stay out of his plans, whatever they are, I don't think the wise thing to do would be to warn the opponent. I mean, that would put him in the spotlight and alert me. Today, he is impassible, hiding all emotions that might betray him behind a polite smile.
I have to follow him and act as impassible as possible. Next time, I won't meet him alone. He is too dangerous. I have to protect myself so that I won't burden Giotto. Until I can protect myself, I have to be extra cautious.
"Daemon, what is the deal?" I ask him nonetheless.
He raises an eyebrow at me, his smirk sending yet another shiver down my spine, "I would like you to cooperate with me."
"To do what?"
"Nufufu. As I've already told you before, the Vongola family is in a grave crisis. Most of our allies have fled, we have numerous injured fighters, even our shops have become targets. I will spare you the details, but know that the situation is turning from bad to worse with every passing day." He leans forward, his eyes twinkling, "And as you've said before, you became Mrs. Vongola before becoming Cerve Sixth…"
I take my time sipping the lukewarm tea, using this short moment to think about what he just said. That's it? He just wants me to help Vongola fight against the other families? No, it can't be this simple. He must be planning something behind.
"I believe, with our two families combined, Vongola can overcome this obstacle."
What he said is true. I nod at him to continue.
His smirk widens, "That is all I ask."
His proposition seems logical, yet sketchy. Normally, I should join Cerve family's force with the Vongola, but after hearing a more neutral report on the situation from Cerve, Daemon's proposition sounds even fishier.
Before I could give him my refusal, he halts me, "Please take your time to think about it."
I bite my lower lip and nod silently. Maybe he is right. I should use Cerve family to help out. After all, even if Vongola can fight off the enemies, who knows at what price…
No, I can't act rashly, not when I don't have a clear view of the whole situation. Besides, something feels wrong. I'll have to think more thoroughly about it.
"Give me a few days." I stand up and nod at him before walking toward the door.
"Of course." His silky voice answers me from behind, "But please hurry, the Vongola family can't wait too long."
Something is definitively wrong, but I can't figure what it is.
"Oh and," He calls me just as I am about to exit, "I think Mrs. Vongola wouldn't bother Primo with this tiny problem."
"That goes without saying." I reply him without turning back and walk away.
Carmela is standing a few meters opposite to Daemon's office, silently waiting for me. The moment she sees me, she bows slightly in my direction and continues to lead me to G's office once I am behind her.
I follow her with equal silence. Really, she doesn't like me at all.
"They only respect those who have power." Daemon's voice echoes inside me. "After all, who would like to serve a scrawny lady like you who can't even defend herself, but also badly injured Vongola Primo. Besides, Vongola has being under attack ever since other families got news that our Boss has being missing with his wife."
Power… is it?
It isn't like I didn't realize how power is important. But now, a sense of urgency has seized me.
I keep up a faint smile until we arrive to G's office. Carmela knocks on the door, says the purpose, and opens it for me after receiving G's approval before retreating. I watch her close the door softly, her visage void of all emotion.
I see… this is the real Mafia. This is my reality now. The cocoon of love and care nicely prepared for me by Cerve and Giotto isn't here anymore. Nobody will be kind to me merely because I am Mrs. Vongola. I have to gain their trust and respect by myself.
I have to get stronger. I need more power. And if by doing so will allow me to protect my precious family, I am glad do to it no matter how hard it will be.
"G, are you busy right now?" Although I can see that he is without even asking. The piles of papers waiting in line for him to read are more than enough proof.
He raises his head a bit to look at me before ducking back to work, "I thought I let you two a day off."
"I know, but I don't think it is wise to hang around doing nothing at this time." I take sit on a chair before his desk after getting his approval, "Besides, I will have time to visit this manor in the future."
This time, G stops completely to look at me. He then smiles and shakes his head slightly, putting the papers away, "You really changed. Now you are more likeable."
I raise an eyebrow at that statement. First Daemon, now G. I wonder who will be next. "I'll take that as a compliment."
It would really be stupid of me if I don't make any changes in my behavior now that I realize how much of trouble I was. Now that I want to have a good relationship with the servants, I don't want them to despise me on the first day. Although they might already do, taking account how I am supposed to be one of the causes to Vongola being attacked. My attachment to Cerve doesn't help either.
"So," G stacks together the papers lying messily on his desk while looking at me, "what's your business with me?"
I wanted to warn him about Daemon's future betrayal. From what Giotto told me about his past, G seems more reliable when managing this kind of matters… besides, my selfishness wants me to keep Giotto out of this as long as possible. That was my original purpose before Daemon called me.
Now, taking in account of my conversation with the illusionist, I can't recklessly drag in more people in this muddy water. After all, he now knows that I am aware of his intention on replacing Giotto with Ricardo, someone I've never met and never heard about. What he doesn't know, is that my knowledge isn't even that great. This situation doesn't put me at an advantage. Rather, I bet he believes that I know about the future, so he is even more cautious now, and when he strikes, it will be merciless.
I'll have to talk about this to Cerve first, and then decide together on what to do.
"I was wondering if you could assign someone to teach me how to fight." Since I can't tell him my main purpose today, I'll take the chance to ask him to help my get stronger. "I would like to be able to protect myself." –so that I won't be a burden in the future conflict.
G raises an eyebrow in my direction, skeptical to my request. Fortunately, he doesn't push further, "Get up and push the coffee table and the couch out of the way. I want to test you first."
I happily comply with his orders and proceed to my task. G goes back to work right after without even sparing me a glance, much to my relief. If he sees me now, he would notice that I can't even lift the coffee table, much less drag it away.
After a few minutes of failed attempt, I slowly get annoyed by it. How can't I even lift a coffee table? This is illogical. It's just wood, I don't understand.
"I want to test you first."
Could this be part of the test too? I look at G. He continues to read the papers emotionlessly.
Alright then. Since he isn't going to help, I'll have to figure something out by myself.
I look around me, expecting to find something, anything, that might useful. Strangely, there is nothing that catches my eyes. Behind G's desk is a large window partially hidden by cream-yellow curtains, a bookshelf covers the entire wall to that man's right, and to his left is a wall adorned with paintings.
There is literally nothing I could use.
…Why, of everything he could've picked, he has to make me drag the damn coffee table away? To show him how much arm strength I lack?! What is this, some kind of teacher playing rough to the students to polish the kids' attitude? I feel so attacked. Do I look like someone who would unnecessarily cause trouble? No!
In the spurt of my growing irritation, I kick the coffee table, only to bend over in pain.
Damn high quality mafia furniture. Why are they so sturdy?
I glare at the table in annoyance. What is so special about it? It looks just like any normal ones. I knock its legs and its surface. It sounds just like wood, legit wood. I slide my fingers under it and tap it, expecting to find some clue. Of course, there is nothing; the surface under is just as smooth as the top.
I retreat my hands back and sit on the ground, completely defeated by this mere coffee table.
What is this even? Why is this test so hard?
I glance at G, who is still ignoring me, completely immersed in his work.
I am not even sure this is part of the test. Maybe I am just so weak that I can't even lift a single Mafia coffee table (because back at home, in the other world, I am certain I could do it without breaking a sweat; it's a wooden coffee table, normally it isn't that heavy).
Maybe people should start making furniture as sturdy as the Mafia people do. That would probably save a lot of trees since they wouldn't break so easily. Haha, imagine the Mafia families join hand together to create companies. Maybe they'll even be nominated for the Nobel Peace award for their contribution to save the planet. But that would only happen in what, about a century from now?
…Alright, time to get back on Earth.
I look around the table all the while patting it with my hands. As my hand brushes against the carpet near one of the four legs, I felt a small bump. Immediately drawing my attention to it, I star to frantically tap the surrounding area. I pat the carpet under the three other legs and to my outmost joy, they each have that little bump.
Something is definitively under it.
With this lead, I continue to tap around until finally, my fingers accidentally slide under a patch of the carpet. I hastily lift it up. Surprise, the table is connected to the floor by four metallic locks.
"23 minutes." G's voice bring my attention to him, "You wasted 23 minutes just to find that thing."
I open my mouth to say something in my defense, but a quick look at his discouraged expression stops me from saying anything.
"Put the carpet back on."
I comply without resistance, feeling dumb and disheartened.
"Remember that you were the one who asked me for help." G continues to talk, he eyes hardening with each passing second, "I have trained hundreds of men. So don't expect me to be all chummy to you simply because you are that idiot's wife."
I lower my eyes and nod slowly.
"Say 'yes sir'."
"Yes sir."
"Louder! What are you? A newborn?" I flinch at G's harsh tone, "And look at me when I speak!"
"Yes sir!" I unconsciously straighten my back and stare at him.
He lets out a snort in disdain and tends me a paper, "That was the test, if you still haven't noticed. I wrote down your evaluation on it, and I expect to see you correct every single aspects I mentioned on it the next time I see you."
Does that mean… He is going to help me himself?!
I immediately jump up in joy and smile at him, my eyes probably shining with anticipation.
Noticing my enthusiasm, G merely frowns and snickers at me, "Don't give me that look. I am only taking things in my own hands because of how pathetic you are. I don't want to you annoy to death the other trainers."
Despite his harsh words, I get the feeling that G is sincere wants to lend me a hand. Maybe… he noticed that a danger is approaching and wants me to get stronger as well…
I shake my head to clear up this unpleasant thought and bow to the read haired man, "Thank you very much."
"Whatever." He waves a hand in dismissal at me.
Ehm… "G?"
"What do you still want from me?"
I ignore his irritated glance, "Well, aren't you going to teach me how to fight?" I scratch my cheek awkwardly, "With, you know, weapons and stuff…" My voice trails off uncertainly.
G signs in defeat and passes a hand through his hairs tiredly, "You better correct the mistakes I wrote on that fucking paper before you start to take any weapon."
I frown slightly and bite my lower lip. But I don't have the time to… seeing G's disapproving eyes, I nod slowly.
"Also, don't forget to tell Giotto about this. I don't want to waste my time explaining it to that blockhead." He yawns loudly and walks back to his desk, "Come back when you are sure that you've corrected everything I wrote."
I thank him again before making my way back.
It seems like I still have a lot to do.
I sigh tiredly and look down at the piece of paper. G wrote down everything wrong I did he observed during my test. He… he truly is amazing. I didn't even notice him looking at me, yet just a fast scan of what he wrote I know that he clearly identified my weaknesses.
Alright then. Until Grey finishes helping out Cerve and comes back with the Book about the previous generations, I'll focus on the mistakes G picked out.
-Welcome to the Future 1-
A/N 3rd POV on Giotto and Elleira ten years later, as promised.
…
"Oh my," A playful chuckle makes the blond tense in alarm, "what a pleasant surprise."
The pink cloud clears off, revealing a traditional Japanese room. Giotto stares incredulously at the woman before him, unable to detach his gaze. Is this… who he thinks it is?
The woman raises an eyebrow in amusement at the obviously petrified blond. She then looks down at the small bundle of clothes hiding behind her, gripping her sleeve tightly with trembling hands. She gently caresses the little tuff of brown hairs sticking out of the clothes, "Yoshi, can you get mama and this gentleman some tea?"
Giotto notices that the little tuff of hairs moves rapidly, as if nodding, then it runs off. It is only then that he understands, it is a little kid. He also notices, quite a bit late, that the woman is speaking in Japanese, and he is standing in a very Japanese looking room.
"Ehm…" The usually speech fluent Mafia boss opens his mouth, only to make this pathetic sound. He then chooses to not speak, a wise decision.
"Yes?" The woman answers back in Italian, a graceful smile ever present on her lips.
A few seconds of awkward silence tickle away, making the blond sweating bullets. He presses his lips together and sits down slowly, somehow unable to detach his eyes from the woman before him, even though just looking at her makes his face burn in embarrassment.
For the first time in seven years, the mere presence of a single person managed to make him flustered enough to lose any capacity of speech. And he doesn't even know why.
Although he soon regains his calm (well, partially), as expected of an experience Mafia boss.
"I am Giotto Vongola."
The woman he presumes to be Elleira, well at least an older one, smirks as her eyes narrow with amusement. Giotto blinks a few times, incapable to keep his calm. It feels as if a hand is inside him, messing with his emotions and muddying his thoughts. He wants to say something again, but the woman disappears in a blink, only to appear right behind him before he could notice anything.
His arm shots back by pure reflex to elbow the woman. He immediately regrets his action, and manages to lower the speed a bit. Much to his surprise, the expected impact doesn't happen. His elbow makes contact with thin air as he falls on the tatami, dragged by his own force and a pair of hands pushing him down.
"Can you follow my movements?" The woman laughs lightheartedly at the slightly distressed look on her younger husband's visage.
Giotto shakes his head mechanically, unable to say anything.
"You know, when you are going to go back in your time, the younger me would want you to drink an antidote that stops the effect of a potion old man Cerve made. It was a, how do you call it, a love potion that made you fall for her." This information sets a violent tremor inside Giotto. As if she didn't notice his shock and his pale visage, the light brown haired woman continues on her own, "And since you know how much of a scardy-cat I was, there was no way I would've told you. So, do as you please with her afterward. I give you the permission."
"I-" Before he could finish, she cuts him off with a playful voice as if what she just said was merely part of his imagination.
"Oh, silly me. How could I forget to introduce myself?" She taps her forehead with a grin, "But… surely you must know who I am, right?"
"E-Elleira?"
"Aww, how nostalgic." The older Elleira brings her hands to her chest, staring down at the man she is securely seized by sitting on top, "It's being a while since you last called me that." She caresses his cheek lovingly, making Giotto's brain short circuit, but then pinch him without warning, "Aren't you just the cutest thing ever?!"
…Cute?
The next few minutes consists of the obviously stronger woman cooing on top of her deadpanned husband, sometime squeaking in delight at how innocent and cute he looks. He doesn't even have time to squeeze in his own questions about the potion.
"Oh my," the older (and obviously very cunning) Elleira claps her hands together, thus giving a moment of respite to the man, "Five minutes is almost up."
She looks at Giotto.
After she is done with him, that blond is mess; his hairs are ruffled savagely, his cheeks have red marks resulted from pinching, he can't even breathe normally. The poor man is downright taken aback by this kind of development.
Laughing at his baffled expression mixed with a slight tint of fear, she smirks mischievously, "Well, well, well… don't blame me, my darling, but I don't want to change the course of history now, do I?"
For some reason, Giotto knows, instinctively, that this is just mere excuse for her next plan. Indeed, she pulls out a lipstick tube and carefully color her lips in a devilish red, before smacking her lips together with a self-satisfactory sound.
"Have fun with the past me, my dear Gio." With this, she lowers her head and leans on him, her lips brushing against his tense neck to finally kiss his collar.
Right after, she pulls him on his feet as a screen of pink smoke hides him, blocking his hazy eyes and flustered cheeks.
The woman laughs lightheartedly, knowing that her husband of her own time has come back. She tends her arms forward and without surprise, she is immediately taken in a familiar embrace, "Giogio, you lied to me back then." She pouts in a flighty manner, "It wasn't even a lips shaped stamp."
"Oh?" A husky voice answers her dangerously, "Does that mean that you actually kissed him? Oh wait, I remember now, you did."
The older Elleira blinks twice, inwardly slapping herself. She got carried away after meeting that younger and much more inexperienced Giotto. Now, knowing this one right before her, she knows that his jealousy has spilled out once again.
"It is you, you! Just younger." She tries in vain to defend her position, "And it was only on the collar."
The older man merely ignores his wife and carries her off. As they exit the room, a kid walks with careful steps toward them.
"Yoshi baby, is that tea for me?" Giotto puts Elleira on the ground to greet his son, but still wraps her tightly in his arms in case she tries to escape.
The kid smiles brightly and shakes his head, "No papa, this is for the gentleman talking with mama."
The older Elleira looks away, acting as if she doesn't know what her son is talking about and ignoring by the way the tightening grip around her.
"Hehe…" A dark chuckle escapes from the blond's mouth, "Gentleman? Him?"
Elleira curses internally. She always knew that Giotto always easily gets jealous. But really, his jealousy can even direct to himself? Sigh, looks like she is going to get up later tomorrow.
A/N Ahem, innuendo innuendo. You guys all know what I meant I the end of that little extra, right? If you guys liked it, I could write a bit more of them.
