#04: Trip to France
Elen knew that sighing wasn't going to solve her problems, but what could she do? The talk she had with Lal Mirch and Colonello, who continuously stuck his nose when he got the opportunity, cheered her up a bit, but that didn't mean that Hibari's words didn't hurt her. But she had been mopping around enough and there was no way somebody would like to see her in that pathetic state, especially if she was really leaving. But she had to, because that way, the promise she made to her former lover would be fulfilled. Elen was relieved that she didn't have to worry about the family due the time she missed, because Xanxus could handle everything pretty well and if Mammon would be in charge, who knew…maybe her fortune would increase. That wouldn't be bad at all. It would have been nice if her mother would have seen her piloting; too bad that it wouldn't ever happen.
"I hope I won't die on the first race." Elen wasn't a pessimistic person, but it would be the first time when she did that, because the other times when she piloted a ship was with her mother's help. It was a very different thing. Maybe if she got an expert as a gunner, then she wouldn't have to worry, but there was no way she could know something like that beforehand. Not even the man that was supposed to be their manager knew who would take the place of his former pilot and gunner. Elen knew that they didn't have spare time, so it was better if she just left, since if would be safer to actually know all the tricks before the race. She had to come back, because if she didn't, Xanxus threatened her enough to scare her. Thinking at that, Elen thought that it was funny, because even if he didn't admit it, he actually got attached to her, like he did with Squalo and probably his other guardians. Yet, she never pushed her luck and pointed that out, especially in front of other persons.
It would be tough, but she didn't care about that at all, since there was no need to get scared before the race began. And then, she didn't have time to talk with Dino, but it wasn't like Elen was going to that pretty soon, since the previous day they almost get into an argument and she left without saying anything. She felt a bit bad, because they were friend and that was the first time they fought, but there was time to apologize when she would come back. Because Elen liked to think that things would go pretty well and she would return to Italy as soon as the race finished. But first she had to make her bag and after what happened, there was no way she would keep things as dresses and skirt in her wardrobe. Drastically or not, Elen would be sure to burn them all. It was thanks to Mukuro that she developed a dislike towards items like that. Remembering about the said illusionist who made a fool out of herself, she knew what to do to confuse him right before she left. Her plan could continue when she returned.
Getting up from the couch, she went to the wardrobe, opening it to take the clothes she thought would be useful in her trip. If only she told Lal that she was leaving and needed help with packing…because there was no way she would ask help from M.M or other men from there. Elen could exploit the Varia members who were there since morning, but thanks to Xanxus, who didn't like to be disturbed while sleeping, it was so nice and quiet. She had to remember to thank him for that later. But really, she needed some help; those things were too heavy for her to carry them. Maybe not, but she could make them work a bit, after all, it wasn't like they were that bad not to help her, but it wasn't a problem if somebody refused. She had a few tricks up her sleeve; after all, she was a woman. Elen finished packing, taking the clothes she threw on the floor and put them in the valise, before looking around. Well, her room was clean and she made sure to leave everything in order, in case Xanxus bothered to do her paper-work. She hoped that he wouldn't, because that would mean that her debt to him would increase. It wasn't the money she was worried about, but what he would request after, because that was extra work for his majesty and there was no way he would do that because he was a kind soul. There would be a charge for that. But maybe it was a better idea to do that alone.
Those weeks would mean hell for her, since going there didn't mean that she got time to spare, but she had to do her best as a pilot and learn more about the ship. It was no point in winning if they died shortly or due the race. Elen didn't want to lose another person in front of her eyes, even if they weren't close, she or he would be her gunner. An important part of the team. The best part was that for three whole weeks, there would be nobody to disturb her at all. Maybe it wouldn't be such a bad idea to detach herself from everything from Italy. It had been a long time since she left the country. It would be a good opportunity to also visit her mother's grave and stop trying to convince herself that not going there would solve something. Information would be vital as well, if she wanted to get rid of the problem that her supposed father represented. In those moments, Elen was glad that they weren't related, but her hate for him couldn't subdue in any form. It was thanks to him that her mother died, because she was no fool. Her accident had been provoked by somebody. That man, despite being a sky element, was a mechanic so it had been pretty easy to make something malfunction.
The opportunity to pilot something, even if it was a request couldn't be missed, especially since it was in the same country her mother died. That way she would finally feel at pace and could live without the guilt devouring her. Because she couldn't accept the idea that her mother wouldn't pilot again and the worst…that she won't ever come to see her that they won't spend time together anymore. That was the hardest thing to accept and the pain she felt then was still present, stopping her from visiting her mother. Elen knew that it quite the time to put and end to that and what better opportunity than that? She would pilot, despite being afraid, in honor of her mother. The girl knew that she had to surpass her fears and do what she could. If there would be a day when that man would take her position as a boss, she could always return to France and arrange her live there. "It would be nice…but still, I don't want to lose all I have now…" There was no way she could do both things in the same time and actually being a leader made her feel at ease and grew fond of everyone. She couldn't just abandon them to something that could even end her life. Elen put all her passion to make the family as it was, so it would be a waste to leave, a stupid thing to let that man ruin everything.
It was better to leave then, since the plane wouldn't wait for her. Letting out a sigh of relief, she took her luggage and left her room, despite how early it was. Elen hoped that she wouldn't meet anyone, because there would be questions and many of the people there would make her promise that she would return safely. She couldn't do that, because it didn't matter if they got great mechanics. A malfunction could appear any time, no matter how prevented they would be. She frowned, because there was noise in the kitchen and nobody was awake at that hour that was why she chose it to leave, but it seemed that there was somebody awake. The door was also open and that made it easier for her to see who was inside, only to bite her tongue to stop herself from laughing. It seemed that Lussuria made the other guardians help him in the kitchen, but well, no matter how funny that was, she had to leave already. The only bad thing was that Fran was awake as well and he actually noticed her and told Bel. Oh, joy. That would mean trouble for all she cared. There was no way she would get to the airport on time.
As expected, before Elen could leave, a knife barely missed her head and stuck the wall from behind. There was something Bel did often, so she wasn't that surprised by that greeting. Weird it was that he didn't have that stupid grin plastered on his face and she became worried. The storm guardian always had it, no matter what circumstances, but now, she almost looked sad. If he threw a tantrum because she was leaving…but that couldn't actually happen. He always avoided her and they barely knew each other, let alone speaking. Elen frowned, because even Squalo had a sulky face, no matter how funny it was, she was actually annoyed. They made her feel bad about leaving and she didn't need that. In the end, what was their problem? If she died, Xanxus would get the mansion, money, subordinates, he would be the boss, but if they were like that, she could mess with them. "…Stop being like that. It's annoying, beside…if I die, Xanxus will get everything I have, so what's the problem?" She expected a smart-ass retort from Bel, but when Squalo grabbed her by the shirt's collar, Elen actually blinked. He was really mad.
"VOOOI, are you dumb?! You'd better come back alive!" So that was the problem. It actually felt nice that they, a group of unruly assassins were actually worried for her. No matter what, they had a heart, even their actions proved the opposite. She couldn't help but start to laugh at what he said, because that was something she never expected and there were even more reasons to come back, but they didn't need to know that. When Squalo let go of her, since she seemed like she finally lost it, Elen actually surprised him, by wrapping her hands against his torso, still laughing. It was good to have friend like that and now, she wouldn't renounce at them for anything. Even if Dino wasn't there, she would have liked to see her one more time before leaving. They didn't talk since that incident. "Sorry." She stopped, now giggling, because honestly, who would be taken aback when somebody from the Varia told them to return alive, because they cared? It was a shock. "It's just…I didn't expect it, but I'll do so, so you can rest assured. Now I must leave, the plane doesn't wait for me, you know?"
"Shishishi, princess, don't think you can lie~. Boss has something to do in France and leaves these days, so we'll meet there." It wasn't something she should be happy about, because in the case that she actually died, they wouldn't forgive her, not even that bastard who seemed indifferent. In fact, she cared less if they came, but at least, if there were Varia members there, there was no worry. That man was actually a coward and wouldn't get close to the house for the time being. If he avoided doing that while she was there, now that there would be members of an assassination squad less. "Fine, fine! Then…see you there~." She didn't wait for an answer, but left immediately, since it was possible to be stopped once more and it would be really bad. Elen didn't want to be late, because the next plane left in ten hours and that would be wasted time. As soon as she got there, the higher the chances of their win. The possibility of crashing would decrease as well, because she had to admit that it was a dangerous race. Even if the rules stopped the participants to take each others live, they could do anything to pull them out of the game.
Looking at her phone, she left the mansion, getting in the car. It was awkward to speak with Dino after what he saw…but a message would be that bad. She could explain the whole situation when she came back, but no earlier. It was a little embarrassing and disappointing to herself that she let Mukuro Rokudo do that. Elen looked at the hour and well, it didn't matter after all. Cavallone was a heavy sleeper and it was hard to wake him up. She knew that the best, because it took a long time, with Romario's help as well, to make Dino actually get up. But no matter what, she had to apologize now, because once she got there, there wouldn't be time to act so carefree or to talk on the phone. Maybe she could ask Lal and Colonello to train her once she got back to Italy, even if that meant hell. She doubted that one of them would actually go easy on her, but that was Elen wanted to stop. She wasn't that weak for them not to take her serious. It was the best if her training would be hard. That way she could learn more, even if after finished, rest would be needed. She still remembered the first time she trained with Lal Mirch. That was pure hell, because after the first week her skin was bruised, there were small cuts and her muscles were sore. She could stand that. If there she would win all the races and still be alive, going through the training program with those two, would be easy.
Closing her eyes, she thought about what to tell Dino, because she felt guilty for her behavior. He wasn't at fault back then and Hibari's retorts made her even angrier. The poor boy had been a victim on whom she took out all her frustration, but that wasn't right. He just came in at the wrong moment; it wasn't like he wanted to catch her into an embarrassing situation with his student. It just happened. Sighing, Elen actually managed to type something, but hesitated when she was about to push the 'send' button. What if he was mad at her? He wasn't that type, but still…There was no way he would have liked to be treated like that, despite his personality. It was unpleasant, but well, if Dino would want to hear nothing of her, Elen wouldn't insist and wait until she could apologize properly. She only hoped that he wouldn't despite her. He was the first friend she had before getting into the mafia business. They met by coincidence, when Enzo went loose thanks to the rain.
"I hope you're not mad, Dino…" Elen gulped, before she pressed the button, putting her phone back into her pocket. She leaned into the chair and looked on the window. The sky was so dull, like it was about to rain, but it wasn't like she didn't expect it. Everybody knew that it wouldn't be that sunny that week, but it didn't really matter since she would be away. The trip to France was welcomed, maybe even more than it was supposed. She couldn't help but wonder how the people that worked with their manager were. Their faces would sure show shock, because nobody knew how their pilot and gunner were. It would be pretty nice to know more people and to reward their efforts by winning. It was hard to build a ship, an equipped one. She looked into books of mechanics and it took a while until she understood what that was about. Elen knew that it was the best if she knew some things, so she could help if it was necessary. "Miss, we've got troubles ahead!" The words of her driver snapped her out of her thoughts and she looked quite bored at those people who actually tried to look scary.
It wasn't like Elen was in the mood to do something, but she opened the window, since it was so easy to kill them all in one go. She told the driver to stop, but there was something she didn't like about them at all. It wasn't their smugness, but something else…Beside, how did they found out that she was leaving? Not even the nosy illusionist knew when she was actually going, so there was no way somebody could betray her. It would be wrong to doubt somebody from the Varia, because they were stupid sometimes, but it wasn't like they would betray each other. She got out of the gun, still on-guard, because getting soft in that type of situation was always bad. "What do you know about Varia's leader? Tell us!" She frowned, because they thought that it would be that easy to make her give them information like that. It became so funny, that she started to laugh, practically mocking them. Not that Elen cared one bit, but the shot that was heard draw her attention. Well, she could clean the road and continue going to the airport. "I know many things about Xanxus, but I'm not going to tell you, stupid~." She was full of confidence, because it wasn't like Hibari Kyoya said. She could defend herself.
Those men were annoyed and prepared to shot, but the smile on her face made them annoyed, until one of them screamed. That was the best part, because they didn't even noticed that their lower bodies were petrified and soon enough they wouldn't be able to move. So simple…Elen considered that as a warm-up exercise, because to be honest, they weren't that much of a threat, but she was worried about that happened to the others. Were they alright? She doubted that the main force would meet a girl, since it seemed that they thought she wasn't a danger. Elen didn't even expect somebody else to shot, because beside the driver and her, there was nobody. It was more than surprising to see the Varia there, but Xanxus seemed…different. Even the scars from Timoteo were present. What could have happened that bad for him to become that mad? Those people were weak, so it shouldn't have been a problem to somebody like him. She was worried, but it was her mistake after all. Elen thought that he would actually ask about those people, not grab her roughly by her neck and slowly strangling her. It hurt really much. "Trash, what the fuck did you told them?" Hearing that she finally understood what was all that about. He seemed to believe in the lies of some strangers, not in her. If he wanted that, who cared what happened.
"Unfortunately, I've been stupid enough not to reveal any information about the Varia." Elen made a slight pause, in order to stop her voice from shaking and herself from crying. "My mistake it seems…I never betrayed you, but if you believe them…" It was then when she stopped and actually fought back, against him, managing to make Xanxus loosen his grip. She could escape, but started to cough pretty badly, because it had been hard to even talk like that. It didn't matter anymore that Squalo actually came to her, to see if she was alright, because it was the end. "Don't touch me! It's over, you heard? I don't want to even hear of any of you!" She turned her back to Xanxus and the other, because it was really annoying. Yet, there was no way she would allow something like that to happen. She was a toy or a thing to be played with. There was no ay she could forgive that, even if that supposed not to talk with them ever again. "Don't bother to go back. I'll deal with my own problems, so go back to Vongola and don't worry about that stupid alliance. I'll still sign it." She didn't even wait for a reply, because Elen got in the car and told the driver to go. It could be the end, but as long as she didn't lose Dino's friendship, it didn't matter.
She was thankful that the driver didn't ask her anything, even if she felt better, because Elen didn't feel like talking at all. Even her joy from earlier had been shattered, but they should look how much she cared! It wasn't like she would mop over that all her life, she had more important things to do. If the Varia wanted it that way, there was no way Elen would do something against it. She wouldn't ask Dino to help her, because that was why her second-in-command stayed behind and didn't go with her. Thankfully, after that little incident, the whole journey to the airport had been eventless and she was glad for that, despite the boredom. Yawning, Elen got out of the car and took her luggage, before leaving. She didn't forget to wave to thee driver, since it would be a long time when they wouldn't see each other. Too bad that she chose to leave like that and couldn't leave instructions to Jolly, her storm guardian, but it didn't matter. He knew how to handle things, so a little phone call later would be alright.
Elen got into the plane and went to her seat, ignoring the rude staring from the peoples there, but she could care less. They could judge her as much as they wanted, because she wasn't going to stop her. Not even the whispers bothered her; they were just fools who didn't have anything better to do. She sighed, occupying her seat and actually noticing that she wasn't alone and tat the passengers beside here didn't leave, nor were staring or whispering. It was surprising, but at least the whole trip wouldn't be a hell. Elen crossed her arms and started to look on the window, since she had nothing better to do. There was no way she would start a discussion with those people. If they wanted something, they would simply say it, so she wouldn't bother to annoy somebody, because she was bored, mad, angry, in a bad mood and needed somebody to talk with. That could be solved in France, when she would pilot the ship or if she was lucky and met Byakuran, who supposedly took a trip there, to relax, not that he wasn't doing that already, she could hand out a bit with him. After all, he wasn't such a bad person.
She snorted, thinking about everything that happened and thought that it was only bad luck and that she shouldn't listen to what Kyoya Hibari said. She wasn't useless. Or that was what she liked to think, because honestly, maybe even Lal Mirch tried to cheer her up by saying things that weren't true at all. If she stayed in France and didn't return, she would prove them right, but she had to return as another person, not the weak one that she currently was. If she didn't find Byakuran, then Elen would look for him, because he was strong and it wouldn't hurt to ask him for help. He was a few years older than her, but it wasn't such a big difference and he always addressed her so familiar. Even the first time they met. She was so caught up in her thought that when she noticed that the child in front of her wanted to see if her guns were real or not, that her reaction had been pretty bad. They were scared and Elen couldn't help but sigh, since that wasn't her intention at all, but their mother seemed to calm them down and scold them for bothering her.
"Don't worry, madam…they didn't do anything wrong. I was thinking too hard and it surprised me that they weren't afraid of me. Sorry, kids…" She apologized to them, but didn't do anything to touch either, because it was enough that she scared them once. Twice it would be already too much. At least Elen was accustomed to that treatment, so it wasn't anything knew to her. If only she could find her father, her real one, maybe she wouldn't feel so empty, so alone. "It's their mistake for trying to touch something that doesn't belong to us. I apologize for bothering you." Elen was surprised to hear that, because people would actually make her feel like crap and she expected that to be one of those situations, but she wouldn't have stayed and listened, but replied really harshly to them. In the end, she was glad that it wasn't necessary to be rude to those persons beside her. If she had to whom to talk during the flight, it would be nice. "They are just kids…It didn't bother me at all, but he shouldn't go near guns. It's dangerous." Elen smiled and wanted to ruffle his hair, but her hand stopped, knowing that it was soaked in blood. In the blood of the people she killed.
Maybe it was wrong to act like that, but honestly, she wasn't an innocent one that never killed anybody. There were a lot of people that died by her hands or because of her orders. It just didn't felt right to touch them, even if there was actually nothing on her hands, but she knew better. Maybe if her mother wouldn't have died, she wouldn't be a mafia boss, but then she wouldn't have met all those persons and Elen didn't want to change that. "Is something wrong? You look…worried and tired. Even…scared. But sorry, I don't think it was right of me to ask you that." That woman was right, she was scared indeed, but of what? Of dying? No, that wasn't the reason. It was probably because there were people waiting for her and the thought of breaking the promise of returning alive was scaring her. Worried? Of course she was, because now that she wasn't there, she didn't know if her subordinates were alright or not, if her friends could manage defying him. Tired…Elen was indeed tired of everything. Maybe the trip to France wasn't such a bad idea and she would actually relax for a bit.
"No, I don't mind…And you're actually right, you know…I'm scared, worried, tired…even sick of everything, but I can't give up, can I?" Elen covered her eyes with her hand, leaning her head on the chair. It would be so wrong to renounce at everything after her efforts. A change would be welcomed and if she returned in the same lame state as when she left, then it would feel wrong. Elen was decided to actually do something different with everything and that could continue in Italy. Maybe she could even borrow Byakuran's mechanics, since they were the best. "Sorry for the earlier hesitation. My hands are soaked in blood; it wouldn't feel right to touch them. At least, not now." Yeah, a change was what she needed and it would be better to begin right then. Elen expected that woman to be disgusted by what she heard, but instead she giggled and to be honest, it was…unexpected. Did she say those things in a funny manner that they seemed unbelievable? It couldn't be. "Sorry for laughing, but you don't look like a bad person even if you say that your hands are soaked in blood."
"You're the first person that told me that, you know? In any case, do you live in France?" Elen hoped that the woman lived there, because that way she could have somebody to show her the surroundings. It wasn't that easy to find something when you never visited a city, let alone a country. Elen saw that the woman became a bit sad and she wondered if she said something that offended her, but in any case it was better to apologize. "Unfortunately…no." In that moment Elen felt like a complete idiot, because thanks to her question, the woman beside her was now on verge of crying. She muttered an apology, but it wasn't like that would actually help or made her feel better. "My husband came here to take part in a race…The money from the fi-" It couldn't be that he was going to risk his life in a stupid race where he could die, especially if he was a beginner. She didn't do that too often, but her mother had been a great pilot and she knew part of her moves and how to control a ship and make it fly. It wasn't hard to remember, but if that man died, because the other pilots, once especially, would want to win no matter what. Even if that meant to kill her opponents. "I know it's not my place to say this, but stop him if you want him alive. If he's a beginner, death is the only thing he would gain from the race. If you need the money, I could give it to you, since I don't need it at all." Why was she that kind with a person she didn't even knew and just met? Probably because Elen was sick of seeing people die all the time, especially since her mother and lover died while racing. She didn't want that to happen to another person.
Their discussion continued until the end of the flight and Elen had to admit that it was actually pleasant to talk to somebody knew, to a person that didn't have any ties in the mafia. Her was of thinking was so simple and yet, she seemed happy, without all the problems present there. It was reassuring to know that there still existed those kinds of people, but she never thought that there would be a day when she would befriend somebody that had nothing to do with the mafia, beside her childhood friends and her mother. "You don't really mind to give us all those money…? It's a large sum…" Elen almost started to laugh at that, because she forgot that for somebody who had a normal life, that was indeed a large sum of money, but for her it wasn't that much. In the end, she couldn't help but laugh, because the people she far met didn't ask her that. They wanted the money without caring if she had or not, but that woman was different. Elen felt bad that her child needed a heart surgery, but she didn't mind, because not even the gunner who would accompany her needed it. They were there because her former lover wished that before he died. Without even realizing, the plane landed and it was time to get off.
"Sorry, I didn't mean to laugh, but it's not like everyday somebody asks me if I don't really mind to lend them money…Don't worry, I have enough not to need it, but let's enjoy France for now, shall we?"
In the end, the trip to France had been a good choice, because there was somebody who didn't mind her being in the mafia and didn't like that she needed to borrow money for her. A person really different from those with whom she worked. Not that Dino was like that, but still. She had enough time to sort out her feelings later. The priority was to enjoy her stay there.