Trip 29: Realization

A/N I admit it, the last chapter was really boring. But hey, it's preparation for later… can you spot me trying to save a failed update? Haha… sorry…

Also, thank you every single reader out there who are reading this story. You guys mean a lot to me. I might not reply to every single review, but I read them all (over and over again). So thank you very much for your support.

Sorry for the late update, as per usual. Yes, hit me.


I slowly put down the paper before me and exhale slowly.

Alright, I take back my admiration on G. That guy is a jerk. So what if I usually act a bit tomboyish? That doesn't give him the right to criticize me so severely. I am still a maiden by heart. I can be hurt. My poor little fragile glass heart can't stand this kind of brutal evaluation, even though I am technically the one who asked for it.

"Pff…"

I can feel a vein pop up on my forehead. Without hesitation, I grab a pillow near me and hit the man beside me until he half laughs half begs me to stop.

"Not funny, Giotto. Not funny at all."

Frowning deeply, I stare at the piece of paper and finally resign. It is true, everything G wrote is true. I know that, but it just pisses me off how blunt he is when pointing at my mistakes. Can't he at least sugar coat it? On the other hand, this is G we are talking about, so I am not really surprised.

Sigh… If I want to improve, I'll have to correct these flaws of mine. Better read that paper again…

Points to improve (goddamn it, she's so fucking stupid):

I quickly put down the paper so that I won't shred it and inhale sharply. Only one lines and I am already pissed off. Again.

"Do you want me to-"

I push Giotto's face away from mine, immediately resulting in him melting in a whining mess. Scratching my head furiously, I put my attention back to the report about me once again.

Stubborn: Sticks with the table even when she fails to move it; could've pushed away the couch first. Fail to analyze my instructions, can't sort out priorities, doesn't know when to quit. Would probably be better in coordination when working with someone who can control her

Well it is true that G said to move both the couch and the table away… But what is with that "someone who can control her" thing?!

Personality: Ill-tempered, kicks the table at 10 minutes 45 seconds, growls of frustration during the entire examination, overestimate herself, can't hide emotions, easy to read

Now this is just plain personal attack!

Diplomatic abilities: fail to ask for help when needed

Ok first of all, how am I supposed to know that I could ask him for hints? Aren't tests usually set so that the examinee can't receive any external help?! He didn't tell me that I could ask him for help either.

Observation skills: extremely bad, notice the mechanism at 18 min 5 seconds, uncover it at 23 min 20 seconds, can't uncover the mechanism hidden in one of the legs to unlock the table, doesn't know to examine her surroundings first

How the heck am I supposed to notice something like that?! One of the legs. One of the damn legs. There's like four of them. How could I know which one it is? Not to add that it's a hidden mechanism. The word "hidden" just says it all. And what did he mean by "examine her surroundings first"?

Sharpness of the mind: can't detect danger if there is any, too concentrated in one task, can't divide attention, doesn't pay mind to her surrounding, easily distracted, can't think outside of the box

Is he saying that I am slow to respond?!

Practical abilities: near inexistent

At least give me a proper explanation! Don't just dump two words there and expect me to understand! What is this, some kind of joke?! And how could he see that I have bad practical abilities from just that one test?!

Summary: bad

Bad? Bad?! Can't he add more than just bad? Is he so done with me that he doesn't even try anymore?!

That isn't even the worst. G wrote small notes beside this main examination, and those notes aren't even meant to help me; it's just him venting on how dumb I am and how it's a waste of time for him to test me.

"Elleira, calm down." Giotto wraps an arm around me from behind and rubs our cheeks together, "G is just like that."

I know that… it's just that he is too blunt about it. I am not that calm to be able to stay all happy and cheerful when someone just exposes all my shortcomings to the open with such crude words.

Besides, if I really am this bad, how is it possible for Giotto to like someone like me? I fell for him in the first place because he is so nice and seems so perfect. I am at ease just with him around, because I know that he is someone I can depend on. When I discovered that he has a childish side, it brings me closer to him since I know that he isn't unattainable.

Only now, I begin to doubt myself. Why would Giotto continue to like someone as ill-tempered as me? What happened before he drank the antidote is understandable, but after… isn't it really tiring to bear someone like me?

"There you go again, thinking about weird stuffs and whatnot." Giotto gently knocks my forehead and laughs.

I lean on him and bury my head in his shoulders. Somehow, I really want to cry. I am not used to this place where everyone is cold, Daemon's threats are terrifying me, and now thinking that Giotto doesn't have any reason to like me is just rubbing salt to injury.

"Aww…" Giotto gently rocks me back and forth, his arms wrapping around me like two protective barriers, "Do you want me to scold G?"

I shake my head and sniff as softly as I can so he wouldn't hear, "Don't say anything to him."

Giotto sighs and pulls me down to sleep. He continues to pat my head and sings his off tune lullaby until I fall asleep. The last image I see is his gentle eyes watching over me.

In my slumber, I drift around in what I suppose to be water. Then, everything clears up and I gradually descend to sit on a chair.

"Yo." Cerve greets me cheerfully.

I nod to him.

"What's up girl?"

"Good." I hesitate for a second, "Can't be better."

He winks playfully at me, "Oooh the sarcasm is strong in this one."

…Someone should be hired to punch this guy. I am serious.

Cerve snaps and a chair appears for him to sit. He crosses his legs and grins excitedly at me. Now that I think about it, he's in quite a good mood. Did something good happen?

"Why did you come see me?" I ask with a slight frown.

Cerve fidgets a bit until he finally breaks down in a puddle of hysterical laugher, "Victor accepted to succeed me! I can't believe it! For the past ten years, he always avoided me like pest, but today, just 5 hours 17 minutes 49 seconds ago, he came and told me that he'll take the family until you are ready!" He presses one hand to his chest and another darting his tears away with a handkerchief, "I am so proud of him."

I lower my eyes in thought, completely ignoring how creepy it must be for that kid to be pestered by a ghost for over ten years. Victor del Cerve, descendant of this ghost before me, is willing to take on something he probably hated with all his might so that I would have enough time to get ready. Then what about me? What can I do? What is my role in all this? Just sitting back and do nothing, simply because I don't know where to start, while people around me are working to their bones?

"Please thank him for me."

Cerve pats his chest and raises his head proudly, "Sure thing." He laughs a bit more before looking at me soberly, "So, any questions for me? Don't bottle up stuff. It's only going to worsen the situation if you do so."

I shift my eyes away, "I don't know. Everything is so confusing."

Cerve sighs softly in, what I believe to be relief, much to my puzzlement, "Alright. First thing first, Grey is going back soon. So you might get busy working on the Book.

"Can I go to the Cerve mansion? I mean, Grey doesn't have to stay with me, if he is more useful being with you." I am about to propose having someone else bring me the Book, but I remember that it must be something really precious for the family, "I can go take the Book myself."

Cerve rubs his chin in thought before shaking his head, "Sorry, now is not the right time. I fear that the people back at home will bully you or something."

I raise an eyebrow at that statement. Bully me? Then I remember my somewhat unpleasant encounter with that little girl that I forgot the name. Still, it can't be that bad; it's not like I am going to stay over for an eternity. I am just going for the Book, how long will that take?

"Besides," He continues, "from what you told me about Daemon last time we met, I think it would be better to have someone who can protect you around. You know, better be safe than sorry."

I nod in understanding. That makes sense. Still, something feels wrong. It is as if he is hiding something from me, yet I can't put my finger on it. This annoying feeling has being there ever since the last time we met…

"By the way, Mei will accompany Grey." He pauses for a short while to let me absorb the information and calm down, "I will send an overview report on her to you in a few days, so wait patiently."

I nod hastily, delighted that I will be able to see her soon. In fact, I would like to see right this instant. I still haven't forgotten how she shielded me that night, even though I am technically her target. Despite everything she did, such as hypnotizing me and making my relation with Giotto and co. break, I believe that she is a kind person. After all, she is a precious friend.

"Alright, now tell me about your situation with the Vongolas so far." Cerve plays with his fingers absentmindedly, his eyes focused on me, "I told you to get on good term with them, didn't I?"

I nod with a frown and sighs helplessly, "It's easier said than done. I think they all hate me or something."

Cerve remains silent, looking pensive, then looks at me with wisdom in his eyes, "Sometime, what you see isn't necessarily the truth. You have to see through the appearances."

Yet another thing easier said than done. Besides, there is nothing really to see through; it's pretty obvious that I am being despised. I mean, there is no point of them giving me the cold shoulder, right?

"Anything else?"

I think about it and my conversation with Daemon as well as the interrogations I had concerning his change of attitude pop up. I don't understand. How was I able to shake Daemon enough to make him momentarily blurt out his true thoughts before? Of course, he tried to repair what he messed up later on, but the fact that I was able to pierce through that shell he created remains true.

Cerve merely shrugs his shoulders indifferently, clearly not sharing my amazement.

"It is no surprise that you can influence him. You probably unconsciously slammed your own will on him, just like you did to that Vongola kid."

I what?! Slam my own will on him? And by the "Vongola kid", is he referring to Giotto?

"I mean," He continues on his own as if he didn't notice my shock, "Some of us, who are weaker, are better at imposing our will on others at the beginning, whereas some are just good at intimidating people with physical strength from the very start. It's like a bonus this world gave to those It judges might have a handicap settling here."

My eyes shine up hearing this and automatically filter away the "weaker" part. This sounds really practical, maybe I could develop this skill and hope to one day be able to use it to my full potential. I mean, influence people? That will come in handy.

As if seeing through my thoughts, Cerve sneers at me and shakes his head, "I am sorry, but this isn't something you can train to perfect." As if seeing my confusion, he clears his throat and continues the explanation, "Besides, it's going to gradually fade away to completely be gone when you have mastered your own power. After all, this world is only giving you a tool to better survive in a new environment. When you are strong enough, it will fade away."

Oh… I nod dejectedly and begin to play with my finger absentmindedly. It seems like I am back to square one.

After a few more chitchat, Cerve bids his goodbye and is about to leave, only to turn back abruptly, "By the way, before I forget, Grey told me that you would like to meet a certain boy?"

Boy? Is he talking about Rokudo Mukuro?

"Yes. It's the boy who was with that little girl we saw, remember?" I fidget a bit, nervous and at a lost to my own intentions. I don't even know what I want him for. In fact, I am not even sure it is him. It was just a hunch. A very strong one. Still, if it really is Mukuro, then he will be a great illusionist probably able to rival Daemon, or, at least, help in any eventual fight.

"Yeah him…" He ponders over something for a few seconds before turning his attention back to me, "Alright then, he'll come with Grey and Mei. I don't know what you want to do with him, but you must have your reasons."

I smile gratefully at Cerve, relieved that he didn't push further.

Now then, in the mean time waiting for Grey to arrive, I'll have to satisfy G, or, at least not get kicked out from his lessons.


"So, any comment on what you just saw?" The red head states emotionlessly, "You know you can't always protect her."

The blurry shape of another man appears and sharpens as a few seconds tick by, "I know that. But do you really think now is the best time for her to get involved in this in order to, what, learn something we could've taught her in calmer times? We already discussed about this before."

The said man remains silent, before sighing in frustration, "I so did not sign up for this. Why is that I must worry even after I am dead?!"

"I am sorry about that." The blond smiles sheepishly in apology, "And thank you a lot."

"Save your thanks for later. Let's get down to business." This said, he remains silent for a few seconds, before continuing in a softer tone, "She is more sensible than she looks. Be careful."

The blond closes his eyes tiredly, "I know."


"You've got to look at the bigger picture instead of focusing all your attention on a single spot. That's just suicidal." G states in annoyance, looking tired and defeated.

I put down the metal puzzle on the table and sign as G retreats the folded paper knife from my back. I look at him, feeling lost and completely useless. It's not that I don't want to listen to him, but I don't know how to separate my attention and be aware of everything surrounding me at the same time.

"That's it for today." With a wave of his hand, G sends me back.

I thank him wholeheartedly and exit his office.

Not good. I sigh softly and massage my temples. In these three weeks, I made no progress whatsoever, I can't openly train my body like I usually do with Giotto on the island by jogging, I can't use my power either, fearing that Daemon would have some kind of way to detect any abnormal power with his own psychic power. I am just there, stuck, unable to move forward.

Still, there must be some way to overcome all these problems… G is right after all. I can't think outside of the box.

"Ela!" I turn around to greet a running Lampo. He stops before me and bend over to catch his breath. Now that I think about it, I haven't seen him in a while. I miss his energetic enthusiasm and his momentary slump of laziness.

"Lampo, why so fast? Can't wait to be reincarnated?"

He stares at me in confusion, then pouts slightly, "Ela don't sass me. I am too young to die. Besides, I am Christian."

Oh, right, Mafia, death, Christian, not 21th century… I'll remember not make any jokes like that in the future.

Before I could apologize, Lampo drags me off in a fast pace, jumping a bit from excitement and eyes twinkling with- is that mischief I am seeing?

Ehm, am I obliged to follow him? Knowing myself, and all the times I've passed with Lampo doing nothing but planning on how to prank people, I don't really want to follow him. I don't want to be the victim of one of my own pranks, not thank you. Although it looks like I don't really have much choice either. His grip doesn't hurt me, but there is no way I can run away.

Sighing helplessly before our huge gap of strength, I can only drag my feet and follow the overly excited young man.

"Where are we going?" I ask once we are out of the mansion, only to receive a sneaky grin in response.

Abort! Abort! Abort everything!

Before I could protest, Lampo stops and pulls out a black strip from his pocket and grins at me, showing his sharp menacing white teeth. Man, now that I think about it, this guy's teeth really are pointy.

"Ela, please cooperate and follow me." This said, he steps aside in a swift movement and somehow is behind me before I could even react. My vision is suddenly obscured and someone, presumably Lampo, drags me forward.

Ok this is some creepy shit right now. I can't believe it. I know I am in the Mafia and all, but is kidnapping the boss' wife really fine?! And in broad light like right now?! With perfect sun shining and butterflies flapping their wings and spreading their powder everywhere?! Really?! Lampo get your shits together!

Alright I know I am exaggerating here with my sarcasm. He isn't kidnapping me. Actually, I don't even know what he wants, but it sure isn't kidnapping. There is no chance it can be a prank either, since I believe Lampo to be intelligent enough to not make it seem so obvious that he is planning something.

After a while, the sun is no longer blazing its ray on me mercilessly, so I guess we either entered in some sort of building, or in the forest surrounding the castle.

Then, without a warning, Lampo suddenly lets go of me. I frown a bit, but relax just as soon, for someone else is holding me and pulling me forward.

"Giotto, can I take off the ribbon now?" I look up, not seeing anything of course, but still look up to where I suppose Giotto's face is. "It's getting annoyingly sweaty with that piece of clothe around my face you know. Not to add it's so hot in Sicily in this time of the year."

I hear a familiar soft chuckle, and someone detach the ribbon for me.

Right after, an explosion of flower petal rushes into view. I take a step back, a bit taken aback by this sort of development.

"Welcome!"

Eh?

Their smile (well some of them smile, while others just stay blank as always) crack at bit facing my emotionless visage, then some of the group dig their hand in a basket and throw yet another storm of flower petal in my face.

"Welcome!"

Eh?

I stare at them, dumbfounded.

They stare back, eyes wide and smiles (some of them) on their lips.

We stare at each other.

"Elleira say something. It's getting really awkward now."

I blink a few times, and then weakly raise my hand to greet them, "Hi…"

Asari is the first one to laugh out loud, followed by Giotto and some others.

I take out the few flower petals stuck in my hair and brush the rest off my clothes. From just this few seconds, I have caught plenty of sneaky glances being thrown around. Something is definitively off.

"Is this a party?"

"No, we are just so bored that we've decided to drag these tables and food out so far away from the mansion."

I purse my lips a bit before looking away. This is my teacher (at least for now), I can't anger my teacher, I have to pay him respect even if he is a total jerk. Ignore him. Just think that G equals sarcastic jerk.

"Ela," Lampo quickly comes between us to smoothen the tense atmosphere, "we have a few more guests. They are coming soon."

Cue sneaky glances being thrown around again.

Apparently, whatever they are planning, I am not part of it… Oh hell no. How come I am not part of something that's obviously going to turn out interesting? Besides, the trick in being a successful prankster is to always take the initiative. This being said, I drag Giotto's collar to make him bend down to my level (damn his height), "Whatever you guys are planning, I'm in."

"Ehh, but it wouldn't be fun that way." Asari states with a huge, innocent grin.

I narrow my eyes at him in a judgmental way. What a closet sadist, this one.

Waving Asari's useless reply away, I look back at Giotto and stare at him with all my might, trying to force him to spur everything out. He blinks a few times, then suddenly leans in to kiss me, catching me off guard. When we break apart, he gives me yet another enigmatic grin, then disappears in a storm of petals, only leaving me with a whisper of "Let's play hide and seek."

I stare at the vacant place before me, dumbfounded by this kind of development.

…What just happened?

I pace around a bit, confused as to what is going on. How come they all left? Also… I brush off once again the petals off my hair and clothes in slight annoyance. Someone just had to act all flamboyant as if to confirm once again how much of a show-off guy he is.

A muffled distressed cry catches my attention. I follow the sound and enter in an entrance of some sort made of tall bushes. From the neatly maintained state of these hedges, I think this place is still part of the Vongola domain.

A chilly breeze suddenly blows from my back. I turn around and see in horror that the entrance has disappeared.

…How is that possible?! It was a straight path, as straight as it could possibly be. I didn't make turns or anything, yet what's supposed to be the entrance, as well as the exit, just vanished from thin air.

Running toward the previous existent now inexistent entrance, I pace around frantically trying to find a crack to slip out until I remember what lured me in. Unfortunately, that something is still crying somewhere in that muffled voice, as if to call me to search for it.

Haha nope. I haven't seen a lot of horror movies before, but I know that curiosity often kills the cat.

Sighing in resign, I decide to walk around to search for another exit. As I walk more inward, the cry becomes louder. I hesitate a bit, trying to determine where that sound comes from, then go in the opposite direction.

Looking at the tall hedges and trying to ignore the lack of sunshine in these corridors caused by the shadows that the bushes casted, I move forward while my brain try to process all the information I have into a clearer picture.

First of all, the Guardians' childish giggles between themselves must mean that they have already planned everything and they are waiting for me to jump right in. The reason for this is still unclear. I'll think about it later, or maybe they'll tell me about it when this is over. Well then, if it's them organizing this, I believe there is no danger.

Secondly, from what Asari said before, it seems like they are going to have fun. Knowing their bad taste, and applying my own prankster nature, I think they would try to scare me. I mean, this maze is the perfect place to do so. Hah, who are they to think they could scare me?

Lastly, this place has a striking resemblance to those hedge mazes I saw on TV. I wouldn't be surprised that Vongola have something alike. For what purpose? I don't know and I honestly don't care, I just know that now I have to get out of here, and fast. Call it intuition or something, I just get the feeling that the more I linger here, the more lost I will be. I once remember an article I read about how to get out of a maze. Although I don't think always walking by the left would help in this case, I am still going to do it.

Suddenly, a dark shadow flashes in the corner of my eyes. I turn abruptly, trying to catch it, but find nothing.

…N-not creepy at all. I mean, I have seen worse. Daemon's zombie illusions from before didn't really scare me, so this level of c-childish prank can't possibly make me waver.

For the next few minutes, dark shapes appear from the perimeter of my vision, only to disappear just as soon. Even though I know it's probably the Guardians, I still can't push down this growing eerie feeling inside me. Besides, it has become quite chilly here, especially without the sun to warm me up.

"Elleira..." A monotone whisper calls for me from behind, "Elleira…"

From my experience in watching horror movies (only 3 though), I know that if I turn my head now, something nasty is going to greet me.

So, without really thinking, I dash forward without forgetting to always follow the left. To my horror, the thing chases after me all the while making undistinguishable sounds. We have a few meters of distance between ourselves, yet no matter how much I sprint forward, I can't pull any extra distance.

Who said that the Guardians won't be able to scare me?! I swear, if Daemon suddenly decides to let out some zombie, now is the best time since I feel like I would crack down any moment. This place is terrifying!

Looking around trying to find a suitable hideout, I quickly calculate an escape plan. I don't think I could run further, and I honestly don't want to waste my stamina. If only I have something to fight with, I wouldn't be as scared.

A double turn from a corridor I just ran past catches my attention. I quickly retrace my steps and engage in the said corridor and immediately make a sharp turn. Without really thinking, I quickly strip down the heavy dress that keeps dragging me down while still running (it's a miracle I managed to not even fall down once while doing so). It's a good thing, I guess, that I am always wearing a short and a tank top underneath. It's quite a pain, to be honest, since summer in Sicily is really hot. But thanks to the first few days on the island, I learned how important it is to always have some comfortable clothes that are easy to move in ready at all time.

Keeping the clothes I just stripped down in my arm, I continue to run forward. Seeing that the path before me doesn't have any corridor, I turn my head to see just what exactly is chasing me. The moment I see it, a sudden wave of fear submerges me. My legs, with the boost of adrenaline, find the strength it lacked a few seconds ago, and I run forward faster than ever.

Who the heck put a dead looking clown to chase after me?!

There is a turn right before me, I follow it and see a circular open space with a singular big sphere made of bushes right in the middle. Minus the corridor I just ran from, there are three other paths for me to choose. Looking back, I see with relief that the clown is still quite far away. I rush in the path that's directly facing to the one I just ran out of, scatter my clothes as if to indicate my passage in that corridor, and immediately retrace my step to dive in with difficulty in the big sphere in the middle.

Once I squeeze in the bush sphere, I cover my mouth with my hands and try to breathe as silently as possible. It's a good thing that this sphere is there, since it is big enough to hide the view of a human running in the path directly facing another path. This way, even if the clown caught up to me, he might not have seen me dive in these bushes.

A humanoid shape with faded color clothing stops right before me. It stays there for a few seconds, then follows the path where I scattered my clothes much to my relief. I wait inside for a few minutes to make sure that I am really alone, then go out to run down the path I ran in from in the first place.

Surprisingly, or maybe should I say I should've expected this, the path has changed once again; where there should be a turn, the path splits into two.

"Let's play hide and seek."

I suddenly remember Giotto's words.

So… does that mean that I have to hide while they search for me? But how can I hide from Giotto's hyper intuition, not to add that all of them are so sharp they could probably know where I am from even a kilometer away. Maybe not that exaggerated, but still. Besides, I get the feeling that they are having fun scaring me.

I swear, when I get out of here, I am going to make them taste hell. I swear. These guys, without even telling me anything, just dump me in this place. How dare they?

I walk around aimlessly, waiting for the next wave of their "attack". Now that I am calmer, I am sure that they won't do anything to truly hurt me. Just scaring me, probably, but no physical harm.

Although… I wouldn't be sure in Daemon's case. Who knows, maybe he would "accidentally" drop something and I would "unfortunately" end up half-dead so that I wouldn't hinder his plan. Ah, speaking of Daemon, I still haven't replied his proposition. It's being what, about three weeks ever since that discussion? Of course, he sometime came to see me to ask if I've finished thinking, but I always ask him to give me more time. Even I am speechless at my response. What kind of decision takes three weeks to make? Well, it's just that I want to refuse, but I don't know how to do it properly as to not let anything important slip, such as the fact that I could communicate with Cerve through dream-

I freeze at the sudden contact. Something wet and warm just brushed again my leg. I muffle down my shriek and stare down, only to see a decaying hand that shot up from the earth trying to grab me. Without thinking, I run away as fast as possible. To my horror, hands keep shooting up from the ground anywhere I go.

God damn it! I am going to kill them when I get out of this place.

Something large suddenly covers the hedges on to top of me, blocking all light.

…How am I supposed to move in this place without light and filled with zombie hands trying to grab me?!

The only thing that can cheer me up in this seemingly desperate situation is that the thing on top of me only cast around 6 meters in total of shadow, so I can still see the path before me. Using this, I try my best to memorize the place the hands are to avoid them. At first I am caught at almost two or three steps, but as I progress, I get used to this environment, thus letting me avoid a lot of mushy disgusting hands.

"Good job." With this, the view suddenly clears up before me. The maze no longer exists, and I am bathed in the long yearned sunlight.

I squint at the sudden light, and see everyone standing before me with smiles on their faces.

…I am going to kill them.

Seeing my murderous expression, Giotto immediately steps aside, followed by the others to reveal three other people behind them.

"Master." Grey bows respectfully at me.

"Hey." The blue haired boy waves at me with a tiny smile.

My eyes set on the last person. My feet slowly drag me toward her, and I end up running before I know it. Hugging her cold body with so much force my rib cage begins to hurt, I bury my head in her pure white hairs.

"Mei…"

Anxiety slowly invades me as time passes and Mei still haven't made a move. What if she despises me? I mean, I don't even know what happened to her after my leave. Maybe she despises me even before that, being forced to approach me and all.

My nervous thoughts are shattered the second Mei leans on me, her arms still by her sides.

"Can I stay?" Her voice is raspy, as if she hasn't spoken in a long while.

I close my eyes and let out a breath in relief, "Of course."


"Vongola Giotto, even though I am really happy to have Mei, Grey, and that boy here with me, I still won't forget what you did today." I state coldly, taping rhythmically the table in front of me.

"But-"

"But you didn't participate, but you were only on the sideline watching, but you told me it was a game of hide and seek. Well honey, let me tell you, I don't care."

Halting him with my hand, I continue to vent my "anger" on him. I mean, I am not mad anymore. Actually, the moment I saw Mei, my mood has being lifted. Besides, G told me that he was the one who ordered for this trial. Apparently he wants to see my progress, and he is quite satisfied with my actions today. That being said, he immediately scolded me about all the other things I could've done. What's more, I'll receive a report from him tomorrow. So really, there is no reason for me to stay angry.

Still, that blue haired kid dragged me in a corner and whispered to me to act angry so that I could order people around better. What a little naughty child… I like it. Speaking of him, we've set a time to meet after I deal with Giotto. I told him to rest a bit until then. He is still, after all, a kid. I think he must be tired after coming from the Cerve mansion all the way here.

I didn't get much time to chat with Mei, because she had to leave to take her daily medical treatment. Apparently, Roven gave poison to her, as well as every single person who was trained to be his human armories so to better control them. They can't leave on their own, otherwise without the monthly dose of antidote, they would die horribly. Now that Roven died, the antidote was also lost. Although, thanks to a certain poison specialist Cerve found, they found an antidote. Now, Mei as well as all the remaining member of Roven's human armories have to get a daily treatment in order to completely remove the poison from their system.

Hearing this from Grey, I almost couldn't swallow down my sobs. Giotto even had to start yodeling to make me feel better. And considering how he can even screw up a simple lullaby, don't even mention yodeling.

Grey also left with Mei to help her prepare her treatment. The other Guardians all left too to do what they were doing before G asked them to do the trial for me. Since I should be angry, but knowing that I don't really have any reason to, I just vent what remains of my frustration on being forced to run in such a creepy place on Giotto.

"But you did really well. G doesn't seem like it, but he's quite satisfied." Giotto gives me a wink, accompanied of his usual smug smile, "That, I can assure you from my numerous years of observation."

Before I could reply him though, his carefree expression suddenly turns serious. An oppressive aura suddenly envelops him, sharpening in an instant his usually soft features, "But… you didn't have to strip down like that. Only I can see you… only me…"

I sustain his burning stare, then narrow my eyes mockingly, "Then you could've just made me wear something easier to run in beforehand, stupid."

Who does he think he is, trying to scare me using his usual tactic against other Mafiosi when he clearly knows I have more grounds than him?

Knowing that I am completely unfazed, Giotto immediately melts into a puddle of whiney mess.

I push him back to his seat and turn his head back to his piles of untouched paperwork, "If you have time to get jealous over clothing I wear everyday back in my world, then I believe you should work now."

Getting myself comfortable on the sofa in Giotto's office, I begin to carefully read the Book Grey brought with him.

A note falls on my laps when I open it. I pick it up and read it.

The moment I finish, I could feel a constriction in my chest. If it really is true…

"Giotto."

He looks up, smiling, only to frown seeing my panicked expression, "Elleira?"

I reach toward him with trembling hands as he immediately comes to sit next to me, "Let's take a bath together, now."

Giotto blinks in confusion, then nods gravely. I give him a pale smile, and stand up warily with his support.

I haven't tested my power to control water ever since I've left the island. If I did… If I did, I would've have noticed that… I have to confirm what Cerve wrote on that note right this instant.

Once we are in the bathroom, I immediately close the door and lock it, "G-Giotto, can you please make sure that there is nobody around? By nobody, I mean, that nobody would know what is going to happen here."

He nods with a smile and pulls me in an embrace while gently patting my head, "It's alright Elleira. Whatever you are worried about, it will be alright."

I nod slightly, and open the tap to fill the bathtub. Once it's half full, I stop the water.

Raising my trembling hand over the water, I try to make it come up, just like I did on the island.

A few seconds pass by, and nothing happens.

Giotto steadies my trembling body and helps me hold up my hand.

His soft whispers in my ear calm me down. I gather my calm together and try to summon the water once again.

This time, the crystal clear liquid only has a few ripples break its smooth surface, then the calm comes back as if nothing happened.

I lower my arm in disappointment and dismay.

I can't use my power anymore.


A/N I did my research. Clowns do exist in 1800, and even before that. I am really scared of clowns even since I am small, so like, there you go, my childhood fear in the fanfic.

I hope this chapter isn't too boring?

Now here's Daemon's extra to better clarify the story.


-Extra: Daemon Spade-

It's being a while since he last visited her grave.

They say that people aren't really dead, as long as they live in your memories.

He tried to create her, using his flames, using his power, but she is still dead.

He used everything he remembers, from his own memories, memories of her long eyelashes, memories of the tiny curve on her lips, memories of every time she would cringe seeing his injuries, memories, memories, to create her.

He tried to touch the illusion of her, yet he's repulsed by it every time. This cluster of mist flames, it's not her. The perfect curve of the lips of the illusion, one that should be the carbon copy of her, seems so ironic.

They say that people aren't really dead, as long as they live in your memories. But that's all a lie, isn't it?

He puts down a bouquet of white roses on her cold, hard grave.

White roses, so pure, should be carried in her arms as she walks down the aisle in the church, with him waiting at the end.

White roses, so pure, should testimony their love.

White rose, so pure, are put on a cold hard grave.

White rose, so pure, will soon be tainted in red.

He will achieve everything for her. He will grant her wish, their wish.

But now, he is all alone, aiming to grant her wish, their wish.

Can she see?

Can she?

No she can't. She is dead.

All because of that man, someone he thought to be strong and reliable, a good man to depend on. Because of a single command he gave, she is dead.

More people will die because of him, because of his hesitation, because of his weakness.

That's why, he will take on the role to protect the family. That's why, he wouldn't mind being accused of treachery, because he is in the right.

Shimon family? Of course that idiotic man can't see the potential danger. There is no friend in the Mafia. The moment there is no benefit, friend turns to foe. With those earth flame rings that can rival the Vongola rings, how can that man still sit around doing nothing?

Incomprehensible. Ridiculous. Sentimental. Weak.

Would eliminating a potential threat to the family, even if the said threat is still in alliance, be considered as treason?

Ah, it's too late for the answer though. They are already eradicated.

Elleira Roven?

White roses that should be in her hands, white roses that should be illuminated by her smile, white roses that should be thrown by her

Kill that woman. Dye the white roses in red in front of him, with that woman's blood. See his pained expression, have him feel his woe.

Would that be enjoyable?

Who knows?

No matter, that man must go down. His cousin is much more capable. Strong willed, brutal, strong. He is perfect.

Wait, wait for the perfect moment to strike. But before that, make him pay.

God must have heard the prayers, for he sent that woman. Weak, indecisive, just like her husband. Perfect for him to manipulate, even more perfect to see their pathetic little love shatter. It's a shame he wasn't present in person to see that heart wrenching scene on the ship. How… amusing it would be.

That's why, Vongola, don't you dare die before I see you break down, just like how I broke down.

Still, now that he knows his weakness, he would use her to shatter him.

It would… truly be amusing.

Besides, she's almost asking to be used by others. Her idiocy doesn't seem to have a limit. What's more, she happens to inherit the Cerve family. Really, it's so funny. Both the husband and the wife are weak willed, stupid creatures. Ah, but that would just add more fun to the destruction, wouldn't it?

So, of course, he has to set the stage ready for the ultimate show.

Creating conflicts within Vongola is a piece of cake. After all, he isn't the only one disagreeing with the idiotic Boss. All he had to do was fan the internal fire a bit, use some connections in other families to make them believe that striking Vongola right after Roven's fall is the best thing to do, and voila.

Now, imagine, carefully leading that woman into believing that the Vongola's situation is so bad they need immediate reinforcement in order to push away the invaders, then have a few pro-peace Vongola weakling die and blame it all on the Cerve family's current Boss…

What kind of expression will she make, when she realizes her idiocy has brought discord within the family she wanted to help so much?

What kind of expression will she make, when she realizes she will be the cause of the fall to her dear husband?

It would truly be a wonderful visage of woe.

However, she is more persistent than he first thought… and that weird power of her he doesn't know of, how she managed to intimidate him when she herself is trembling with nervousness is still a mystery… but no matter, she will agree with him sooner or later. He just has to wait, wait for the perfect moment.

Wait, and revenge will be his.

He already waited for so long, sacrificed so much, just to see that man's broken expression. He can wait a bit more.

It's alright, isn't it, Elena? I, Daemon Spade, will grant your wish, our wish. And for that, no matter what I must give up, friendship, love, my humanity, it is alright, isn't it?

Isn't it?

It must be it. Because there is no turning back anymore.


A/N I hope it's not too messy? I mean, in my opinion, Daemon is strong, but he is quite a mess. So I thought maybe using a messy style of writing would suit him, to better show his nature, since he seems a bit crazy to me.

Just saying, this is Daemon's POV, so what he thinks might now necessarily be the truth. Also… I kind of pity him. Not this fanfic version, since I can do whatever I want and that wouldn't count, but the canon version. It's like, really summed up in "there is no turning back anymore" for him. I mean, everything he did, it was to grant Elena's wish that he twisted to apply to his own twisted belief. So even if in mid way he realizes what maybe, this probably isn't what Elena wanted, he doesn't have a choice but to continue because if he doesn't, everything he's done would be in vain. So he doesn't have a choice but to continue with this twisted belief.

Ah, but that's only my personal interpretation.