Hello, readers of the Fanfiction World! Today, I'm diving right into a topic that has grown increasingly popular in the past couple of months, and it's a topic that I have grown fond of: Luca! Now, during my time reading Luca stories, I've noticed a lack of "friendship-based" stories involving Luca, and I intend to change that! You're gonna see a lot of friendship moments and adventures that the Underdog Pack go on as they trek through the first half of the school year together when summer is coming close to an end. Also, as a heads up, this takes place near the end of the movie, around after the Portorosso Cup. So, sit back, relax, and Andiamo (that means go in Italian)! Disclaimer: I do not own Luca or any of the characters in the movie, as they all belong to Disney. I hope you enjoy it!
Alberto: We always seem to think that life is Bellissimo, that things are so perfect, that nothing can come along and disrupt the flow of life. That's what we're taught to think, right? Wrong. Life isn't perfect, not even a little, and that's what makes it all the more enjoyable, especially when you're with a great group of friends. That's what I've discovered since-
Guilia: Ok, Mr. Big Shot, take it easy. It isn't always about you.
Alberto: Yeah, but at least we can agree I'm the charming one in this situation, right, Luca?
Luca: Uh…..I guess?
Guilia: Santo Pecorino, don't feed into his ego *gently knocks the back of Alberto's head with her knuckles*
Alberto: Ooh, my pride *grins playfully as Guilia playfully rolled her eyes*
Guilia: Per mille sardine *chuckles*
Luca: Anyways, what my friends are trying to say is that a lot has changed recently. I mean, just a few days ago, I didn't even know about what life was like up on the surface until I met my new friend: Alberto. He showed me the ways of surface life, and we became fast friends. Then, we had a sudden meeting with Guilia, and things took off from there. We became the underdog Pack, to which Alberto is still asking Guilia what's under the dogs, to which that question always makes her laugh. With her, we got to do some pretty crazy things and had a lot of fun together. After Alberto and I had our secrets revealed at the Portorosso Cup, I thought the fun times were gonna end so soon, but to our luck, not only did the community accept us, after a bit of hesitancy and a failed sneak attack from Ercolo, but we all still got to remain friends. My folks were pretty cool with me hanging out with Alberto and Guilia, though my other still reminds me to be cautious of other people. Anyways, now, with my new friends by my side, this summer has truly been one of the best, and I can't wait to spend more time with them. Sadly, with the school year close to starting soon, Guilia's soon gonna leave and go to Genova, but that's later. For now, I just want to enjoy the fun times I'm having now with my friends.
It was another bright and sunny day in Portorosso, and the morning was bustling with energy from the lovely townsfolk. The baker was restocking his shelves so they were full of bread for the awaiting customers that would walk in to buy. The seagulls were all flying around, looking for scraps to eat and any stray fish lying around by the docks. The kids were all out playing in the street, either kicking a ball around or riding on their bicycles. And speaking of bicycles, a familiar trio of kids were rising on a bike at the moment. More specifically, one was pedaling on the bike while the other two kids were riding a cat she was pulling behind it. These kids were none other than Luca, Alberto, and Guilia: the Underdog Pack, and at the moment, they were just finishing up helping Guilia, who was the kid pedaling the bike, with her fish deliveries. While on the way back, Guilia commented, "Grazie, raggazi for helping me with these deliveries. With school starting soon, my dad's gonna be a lot busier around the house without me around. I hope the workload doesn't tire him out." Luca then said, "I'm sure it won't, and if he needs any help, Alberto and I can give him a hand." Alberto nodded, saying, "Yeah. I can use my clearly superior muscles and help him haul in the fish." Guilia chuckled, saying, "With your arms? Maybe you should start carrying lighter loads before tackling the heavy stuff Mr. McBuffy," as Alberto said while flexing his left arm, "Hey, if I'm gonna become big and strong someday, I gotta start somewhere, right"? Guilia chuckled and playfully rolled her eyes, saying, "Keep dreaming," while Luca said, "Hey, once we get back and finish eating lunch, do you guys wanna go swimming"? Guilia then said, "Good idea. We can play Marco Polo"! That made Alberto ask curiously, "Who's Marco Polo," as Guilia answered, "He was a famous explorer back in the day, but I'm talking about the game. See, in the game Marco Polo, one person closes their eyes and shouts, "Marco," while the others shout, "Polo," and try to avoid getting caught. Whoever's the one shouting, "Marco," can't open their eyes unless they catch someone, and when they do, that person then becomes it. Understand"? Luca and Alberto seemed to understand as they nodded in agreement while Luca says, "sounds like fun! Yeah, we can definitely play that." Alberto then said, "Then, you all better be careful because when I'm it, I'm gonna catch you pretty quickly."Guilia then smirked, saying, "Oh yeah? I'd like to see you try and get me. I'm as slippery as an eel," to which Alberto then playfully replied, "Maybe, if you were covered in oil," which Guilia chuckled in amusement. She found it quite fun to playfully remark with Alberto, who loved to poke fun with her at any chance he could, all while Luca watched as he saw his two best friends getting along nicely.
Soon, the Underdog Pack arrived in front of Guilia's house, a quaint red house with a white Perischa sign on it. Guilia parked her bicycle outside the special hangout spot right outside of her bedroom window, where there was a large box with a blanket and two pillows on it. After parking her bike, the trio hopped off and went inside the house. Inside, an Italian song was playing in the background while Massimo, who was singing along to the song, was busy cooking something delicious on the stove. The housecat, Machiavelli, was asleep on the table when it heard the door open and saw the kids walk inside. It leaped off from the table and approached the kids before it rubbed its head on Guilia's leg, purring. Guilia picked up the tabby while saying, "Ciao, Machiavelli, you cute little gatto"! The cat didn't seem to like being picked up, but it also didn't seem to mind, as Luca said while giving a fish to Machiavelli, "Hey, Machiavelli." The cat happily sucked on the fish before it swallowed the sardine whole. Massimo turned his head to face the kids while saying, "Buongiorno, Guilietta, ragazzi. I hope you've all developed an appetite." Alberto sat down while saying, "Si. Delivering all of those fish made me hungry," while Luca commented, "Yeah. Whatever you're making smells really good, sir." Massimo then placed the plates of food on the table, which revealed to hold a creamy pasta dish with bits of chicken in it. Massimo simply stated, "Fettucini alfredo. Mangiamo." Wasting no time, everyone began to dig into their food, eating happily as Massimo then asked his daughter, "Guilietta, have you finished packing for the train tomorrow"? Guilia replied, "Yes, Papa, I have. I got my uniform, books, and everything else ready for school." Alberto then said, "Do you really have to go to this "School," Guilia? I mean, what'll you learn there that you can't learn here." Guilia replied, "Things like math, science, history, geography, things like that." Luca then commented, "We are really gonna miss you while you're gone, Guilia. Are we gonna see you again soon after you leave"? Guilia replied, "Of course. I'll make sure to come and visit when I have a break, like Thanksgiving and Christmas. And I'll make sure to write and send you photos of everything that happens so you guys can hear about some of my little adventures in Genova." Alberto then said, "Wish we could swim there. Then, we could come to visit you whenever we want." Massimo then replied, "It'd be a long swim there, Alberto. Besides, it won't be for long. Guilia will return once summer vacation starts for her school."
Alberto took a sip of water before he asked, "So, Guilia, what's it like riding that thing you were showing Luca; that rolling thing called a "Train"? Guilia replied, "The train is pretty cool. You get to ride in the fancy carts, get a nice view out the windows, and free snacks from the snack cart. But, you need to buy a ticket to ride it; otherwise, you can't go on it." Luca then asked, "Does it only go to Genova, or can it go to other places too"? Guilia replied, "It can go almost anywhere, at least I think so. I'll have to ask my Mama when I see her tomorrow once I arrive. Hey, where are you guys gonna be staying while I'm gone"? Luca replied, "I'll probably be staying with my folks. How about you, Alberto"? Alberto was about to eat the last bite of his food when Luca asked that question as he contemplated, unsure of what to do. He didn't really know where to go, not like there were a lot of places that he could stay at. One thing he knew definitely was that he was definitely not going back to his island. Massimo noticed Alberto in thought and soon got an idea, saying, "Guiletta, Luca, would you two mind if I spoke with Alberto alone for a minute"? Both of them nodded as Guilia replied before finishing up with her plate as he took it and Luca's plate to the sink, "Sure, Papa. Luca and I will wait for you outside, Alberto." Guilia and Luca started to walk out of the house as Alberto looked up at Massimo, unsure of what he wanted or if what he was going to say was good or bad. However, he seemed to see Massimo smiling as the father asked, "You know, Alberto, I could always use an extra hand at the pescheria. With Guilia at school, I'll need an extra hand around to help. Why don't you stick around here? Even move in, if you want"? Alberto was shocked to see Guilia's father making such a heartwarming offer as his jaw dropped, and he was silent for a while till he felt the cat rubbing its head on its leg. Alberto slowly petted the cat before saying, "Sure, Massimo. I'd love to. Grazie." He then got up and placed his plate in the sink before heading out the door to join up with Luca and Guilia while Massimo watched, with Machiavelli climbing up onto the table and resuming its nap. Outside, Luca and Alberto rejoined as Guilia soon reappeared in her swim gear as they once again hopped onto her bike, and they rode off to the rocky shore. Once they were there, Guilia parked the bike and said, "Last one in the water's a fun-loving imbecille," as Alberto shouted, "It won't be me," and ran into the water, diving in with ease.
Luca followed as both boys instantly became their sea monster form, swimming around with ease. Guilia made sure her hair was covered by the swim cap and placed her goggles on before running into the water, joining up with both boys as they swam around together. Luca and Alberto led Guilia through a few rock arches before they passed a large kelp forest, where Alberto got to show Guilia how to weave around the leafy plants. Luca found three beautiful shells that were hidden in the sandy surface and picked them up, giving one to Alberto, and the other to Guilia, saying, "Here. When you look at these shells, it'll remind you of our friendship." Guilia looked at the shell she had, as it was light blue but had white stripes, as she said, "I love it! I'm gonna cherish this while I'm at school." Alberto looked at his shell, which was purple, but with blue dots, as he said, "Sweet, thanks, Luca. I'm never gonna lose this," Guilia then smirked at Alberto, saying, "Oh, like how you didn't lose that fish earlier"? Alberto chuckled and replied back, "It isn't my fault they decided to try and slip away. It thought I was too charming to look at." Despite being underwater, Guilia was still able to gently knock the back of Alberto's head with her knuckles before they all swam back up to the surface of the water, with Luca suggesting, "Hey, let's try that Marco Polo game you mentioned earlier." Guilia and Alberto liked the idea, as Alberto said, "I'll go first," and closed his eyes, shouting, "Marco"! Guilia and Luca replied, "Polo," and swam away from Alberto as far as they could. Alberto listened closely to the sound of their voices and tried to follow the sound, repeating, "Marco," while Guilia and Luca replied, "Polo"! They all swam around for a while till Guilia decided to play a joke, waiting for the next, "Marco"! When Alberto called out, Guilia swam up to him, saying, "Who's calling me," in a deep voice, which made Alberto jump a bit before he and Guilia broke into laughter till Luca popped up, saying, "Polo," and everyone broke into laughter again. TheUnderdog Pack continued to swim around for a while until the sun started to go down, and soon, they all had to return back home for dinner. As they got out of the water, Guilia had to put her hands up to cover herself when the boys shook themselves dry and became human again. Luca, however, flinched in nervousness when he saw the deadpanned look Guilia gave both Luca and Alberto before she chuckled again, saying, "Kind of expected that to happen." Both boys smiled before the trio started the ride back home.
A little while later, after everyone had eaten their dinner, Luca and Alberto went to go see Guilia again up at the top of the roof, where they saw her looking at the stars. They all went up to join her, with Alberto commenting, "I can see why she likes coming up here. It's pretty high up." Luca then said, "Wait till you see the view from up here." Once they had arrived, they both sat beside Guilia and looked up at the sky, noticing all the stars shining brightly in the clear night sky. While watching, Alberto asked, "Hey, Guilia, are those things really "fire" like Luca said? I always think they're like fish," as Guilia replied, "Well, you can't tell because they're so far away. But if one were to get really close, you'd easily see that they're massive, flaming balls up there. Hey, you know what's fun to do? Sometimes, I like to connect the stars together and make small pictures." Luca squinted his eyes up before saying, "I don't see any," as Guilia replied, "You need to imagine the pictures. Like this. Watch," as she used her finger to figuratively draw a small shape with the stars, saying, "Bellissimo. Connecting these stars makes it look like a soccer ball. Now, you guys try." Alberto gave it a go, making a completely random shape in his mind, but he didn't seem to mind, as he said, "look, I made my face up there, and it's handsome as ever." Luca was snickering while Guilia rolled her eyes and said, "Flatter yourself much," while Alberto replied, "Hey,y I can't help it if I'm cute." Guilia then playfully retorted, "Yeah, you're about as cute as a cat trying to dodge water," which only made Luca's laughing a lot harder before the boy saw Alberto looking at him in confusion as he cleared his throat, saying, "Sorry. You are pretty cool, Alberto," which made Guilia retort playfully, "Don't feed into his ego. You're gonna make him get a big head," to which Alberto smiled, saying, "Big head, huh? If it involves a bigger smile, I'm in," to which that made everyone laugh as Guilia comment, "You're a weirdo, but, a fun one." Alberto smiled, replying, "Thanks, and you're pretty fun too." Luca then had his turn with connecting the stars as he made a little star picture of a bicycle, saying, "Hey, look, a bike! Like the one we rode at the race. I hope I'll get to ride a bike again soon." Guilia then said, "You can, Luca. I can even lend you my bike while I'm gone. Just male sure you take good care of it, and don't let Alberto touch it," before smirking at Alberto, saying, "I'lm looking at you, sir." Alberto grinned, saying, "No need. I got an awesome Vespa that i can ride instead."
Guilia then commented as she looked up again, "This has been probably the best, and most memorable summer I've ever had! I'm really gonna miss you guys when i leave tomorrow." Luca and Alberto all hugged Guilia as Luca said, "And we're gonna miss you too. Make sure when you write, you tell us everything about what happens at school, ok"? Guilia nodded, saying, "You bet, and hey, ragazzi, don't worry. No matter what, we will always be Underdogs together, right"? Alberto and Luca nodded as they placed their hands in together with Giulia before saying in unison, "Team Underdogs"! Suddenly, they heard a voice call out, "Luca"! Luca turned his head and saw that his parents, and his grandmother, who was currently in human form, had come by to pick him up, with his mother saying, "Time to come home, Luca." Luca replied, "Ok, mom, I'll be right there," before saying to his friends, "see you guys tomorrow. I'm definitely not missing getting to say goodbye to you at the train station tomorrow," and climbed down to rejoin his family. Guilia then got up, saying, "Well, I better get into my room and turn in for the night. Papa said tomorrow is a big day, and i don't want to miss the train." However, while Guilia started to climb down, Alberto watched as he saw his friend walk away with his family. He remembered how, when they had their first fight, that Luca had been wanting to go to school, and even with his secret now exposed, that desire hasn't changed a bit. Alberto thought about it for a while and knew that if this was something Luca really wanted, then he was gonna help make his dream come true. But how? His thoughts got interrupted when Guilia, who saw him still standing on the roof, shout, "Hey, are you coming down"? Alberto nodded and started the climb down before he asked, "Hey, uh...listen. I know it's late, but do you think you can help me with something"? Guilia nodded, saying, "Sure, but it better be quick. I don't want to get into any trouble with Papa." Alberto then asked, "I need to buy a train ticket to Genova," which made the girl confused, asking, "How come? I thought you didn't want to go to school." Alberto then replied quietly, "It isn't for me...it's for Luca." Now, more than ever, was Guilia confused, as she asked, "For Luca? While I think that's a kind act, how are you gonna pay for the ticket without any money"? Alberto then said, "I figured out an idea," and went to go grab something. Guilia then saw Aberto pulling out the Vespa he won at the race, saying, "I'm gonna sell the Vespa and use the money from it to buy Luca a train ticket to Genova so he can get the chance to attend school." Guilia wanted to laugh, thinking that this was probably another funny joke or remark Alberto said, but when she saw the look in Alberto's eyes, she gasped, saying, "Wow, you're serious about this, aren't you"?
She got a nod from him before asking, "Wow, Alberto, that's really thoughtful, but...I don't understand. Why"? Alberto didn't know how to explain it, but he gave it a try, saying, "See...just as much as it was my dream to win the Vespa, I mean look at it. It's possibly the greatest thing I ever earned, it also means just as much for Luca to get to attend school." Guilia then said as she and Alberto sat down on the box outside her window, "But Luca loves to be by your side too! And you both worked so hard to win the Vespa! Why do you wanna suddenly just...give it all away"? Alberto looked at the Vespa before answering, "Because...I've learned that even the most valuable or awesome thing in the universe can't compare to the value of a friendship, and when you love something so much, sometimes...you need to let it go. I already achieved my dream, Luca should have the chance to achieve his too. Even if it means...I'm not in the picture with him." Hearing that, Guilia then asked, "Wait a second...you're not going with him"? Alberto shook his head no, saying, "Besides, earlier, your dad asked me if I wanted to stick around and give him a hand with the perishcer while you're gone." Guilia was stunned to hear that her father asked Alberto this as she smiled, saying, "Wow, you really are a great friend, Alberto. Luca is really lucky to have met you." Alberto smiled, saying, "Thanks, Guilia. So...do you know where I could sell this and buy a train ticket"? Guilia gave Alberto directions to the place that would buy his Vespa as Alberto thanks Guilia and wished her good night before he hopped onto the Vespa and drove it to where it could be sold. While driving there, Alberto smiled in pride, knowing that in his mind...he was making the right choice, and was gonna make a friend's dream come true.