#05: The day before the race

The second day since she was in France wasn't so bright, not when other pilots seemed to get injured by accident and couldn't participate anymore. For Elen that wasn't anything new, because it happened before, but now things were exaggerated. Two of them lost their lies, while another wouldn't be able to pilot again. She was glad that the husband of the woman she met in the airplane, retreated, because everything was out of control. That was the reason why the other competitors were having a meeting to put a stop to that nonsense before somebody else died. She wasn't that glad that they had to talk, since it wasn't in her character to befriend a rival, but it was for their own sake. Nobody had to lose their lives in such a race. But it was going to be hard, not because they had different personalities, but because there were few people who know about that woman that planned to eliminate the competition so she could win.

Elen was glad that most of them were alive, because from how it looked like, she wasn't the only one that was in the mafia and that was one of the reasons not to lower her guard while there. It didn't matter that it was a public place rented only for this talk. She had to be aware of the surroundings, especially since she was alone, without Jolly or somebody else from the family. Till that point, she never interfered with what the others were discussing, because to put it plain, the girl that had her arm broken and her nervous system affected was axed on revenge and that could bring more trouble than a solution. Maybe it would have been better not to come and do things on her own manner than listening to the crap they were sprouting continuously. It didn't even make sense. She was aware that it was somehow normal to get revenge on the person that ruined your career, but focusing only on that was going to destroy her life.

She sighed, looking at the poor girl who could only create plans that could either kill the others; either make them get in her situation or in the worst case the participants were used as her pawn. Elen wasn't going to allow some brat to use her for revenge, because if that was the case, there was no way she would offer them her help. It was one thing to form an alliance for that woman to lose and one of them to win and another thing, completely different to be used as a pawn in that girl's game. At one point, Elen couldn't control herself anymore and started to laugh, while the person near her, her gunner, Reiji had an amused face. Of course, that she was probably thought to be insane, but he had the same opinion as her. Even if only his uncle was part of the mafia, there was no way he would allow somebody to control and use him for revenge. It was more than illogical. But he wanted so much to hear what she was going to say, because it seemed that his partner was an interesting person.

"You really think that I'll help you fulfill your revenge?" Elen took in a deep breath, in order to stop herself from laughing, but she never thought that her words will earn her a harsh glare. Almost like she was being scolded by that girl. She waiting for an answer, but it seemed that she wasn't going to receive one and yet, Elen wasn't focused on what the others began to whisper, because she kept looking at the ceiling. It wasn't that interesting, but simple and nice, yet she was ignoring the other pilot, since there was no way somebody would even think of making an alliance with her for that stupid reason. She had enough back in Italy, from somebody she didn't expect to behave like that, but it was pointless to think about that then. "Listen here! If you want to die, then do it for all I care! I won't get involved in your stupid revenge game! Let's go, Reiji." With that being said, Elen got up from her sit and waited for her partner, so they could leave, but she never expected another competitor to actually stop her. To have the same opinion as her and be against using as a tool for revenge. She couldn't hide her smile, because that was the reaction she looked for, but if the others agreed, then it was solved. They could come with a better plan that that girl.

At the request of a man, she sat back, now willing to hear their new strategy, since it was decided that they weren't human weapons for revenge. Letting out a sigh of relief, she actually listened what was being said, since they didn't have that bad ideas, but it lacked the experience of devising a plan. She also thought of something, since the idea of a boy, Kotaro, if she wasn't wrong, could be used. There were missing some details, but it was worth the try. At least it was funny how that girl fumed when everybody rejected her plan and left slamming the door. Oh, well, nobody asked her to be that stupid and try to get revenge using them. If she wanted, she could do that herself, even if she wasn't able to pilot ever again. Elen couldn't help but snicker seeing that, but she wasn't the only one. "Well, the plans are good, but how to say this…it can be seen that you lack experience with this sort of things…" She expected a violent reaction, not the sighs after that. It was unbelievable, but if they were aware of that, it would be easier to get straight to the point. Or so she thought. There was somebody got was pretty blunt and asked her something about the mafia.

"So miss…Elen, if I'm not wrong. Tell us, what rank do you have in the mafia? You seem to know what to do in these cases." Surprising or not, she started to laugh softly, because the atmosphere there was so pleasant, that for a moment she thought that she wasn't speaking with a bunch of strangers, but with the people back there in Italy. And then she remembered that Dino tried to contact her and she forgot to call him back, but that could be solved fast, after the meeting. "It is…really necessary?" She didn't want to make them feel bad or inferior, but the nods she received as an answer made her understand that it wasn't other way. They wanted to know the truth and it wasn't like she didn't know what position they held in the mafia. She was practical and made an investigation before hand. "I'm the boss…" She whispered, hoping that nobody would actually hear that, but unfortunately for her, the same man, Makoto didn't miss that. At first his eyes widened, but then he had such a big grin on his face. If that derived to something unpleasant, she would be forced to kill everybody, even if that made her like the woman who eliminated the competition, but in her case, it would be self-defense. "I knew it from the beginning! You see, you seemed different from us, simply members or guardians, but if you think you can make a plan where none of us has to die, please do so. We're listening."

Elen was glad that nobody seemed to try and kill her, but they wanted to listen to what she had to say. In the end, all the people followed Kotaro's plan, but she filled in with the missing details. For example, the pilot who is closer to the finish line will be assisted by the others, who will try to slow down Maruko, as she learned the name of their rival. Everybody was aware of the risk that was implied, but it was the best to deal with the problem that way. They would do their best to avoid any attack; at least until one of them cleared the race and then they could follow, while Maruko would be angry as hell. Of course that the same action could enrage her enough to try to force them out of the race, but she was alone, while they formed an alliance against her. She wasn't inhuman, so it wasn't like she could do that much, but if that happened, they weren't there for nothing. It was pretty good that between them were also some guardians, that way it could be simpler to switch on defense or offense with the others. The only problem could be that she was going to win those races, because confident or not, she got some skill from her mother. She also got the experience with dealing with pressuring situations thanks to the mafia, so it wouldn't be that hard to win.

"I want to ask you something, though…" Elen looked at Julie, a woman who offered her help as well, but she got a bad feeling about the question that followed. Maybe they weren't mad because she was a boss, but if there was something that even one of them didn't agree with…their strategy would definitely fail. The girl nodded, giving her the words, since no matter what, Elen wanted to hear what Julie had to ask, since she seemed serious. "Well…I don't mean to pry or anything, but tell me…do you happen to know Mizuki-san? You know, the top racer that died?" In the end, she didn't expect that question and flinched. Not because she had been asked about her mother, but because she remembered that accident. Yet, there passed five years since then and maybe it was time to let go and live without feeling guilty. But it seemed that Julie noticed that touched a sensible chord and from Elen's eyes, something she should have kept for herself. She wanted to apologize, but that chance never came, since she had been interrupted before she could speak. "She was my mother, but don't worry…It just that your question took me by surprise, nothing more."

That was the truth, because Elen decided to stop feeling guilty and make her mother proud by winning that race without dying. She couldn't do so, not when there still existed that man and also Mukuro Rokudo who seemed to like to annoy her to no end. She wondered if she would have to change the lock of her room when she returned, because he wasn't a saint. The girl shuddered at the thought, because to be honest, it wouldn't be that pleasant to find that pineapple in her room, trying to act like he cared and be murdered by M.M's words and glare. No, she had enough of that and Mukuro could be the only victim, because there was no way he would actually stay in her room. Even thinking about that sent chills over her spine. "I can't believe that I'm saying this…but let's win this race in Mizuki-san's honor!" That man, Makoto was actually being very positive, even if they couldn't guarantee the victory, because they had a very aggressive opponent. Nobody opposed to his idea, but seemed to be keen of winning, even if they didn't have that much experience and didn't pilot too much. At that moment, they didn't care about that, but how to transform every slight chance of defeat in success.

After that discussion, they stayed to talk and know each other better; after all, you have to know your ally and future friend. Between them, it would remain as a race of speed, with no guns, but with Maruko, they would use everything they had to defeat her. Leaving the unpleasant thoughts aside, everybody started to act like they knew each other for a long time; even if that was the first time they met. Elen felt really good, especially since nobody there seemed to care about her status, nor what she was going to do with the money, because they were going to share the winning, after the first race, since she told them the truth. At first, they weren't so keen, but in the end, they accepted. The atmosphere was nice, especially with all those things said there, it was impossible not to laugh. Even Julie, who seemed a bit too serious, opened up a bit, even if that happened after drinking a little. Elen actually forgot about everything back there in Italy and she could care less in that moment.

While she was in the middle of telling something, her phone rang, interrupting her, but after she was who was calling, she decided not to answer. Continuing from where she remained, Elen ignored the annoying ring of her phone, but somebody seemed to be amused by that. For her, the whole situation wasn't funny at all, because there was no way she would talk with that annoying man, not even if the end of the world was coming. Even his voice was stepping on her nerves, but when she thought that he stopped, she actually saw that Makoto took her phone and answered in her place. Maybe it wasn't the best idea, but it could make the other person get the message or so she hoped. Hearing their conversation, Elen almost chocked with the piece of cake she was eating, because it was so wrong. Unfortunately, not even Makoto's personality could save her from talking, despite all the lies he said. At least she had his share of fun, because that wasn't what was prepared for her. Elen had to admit that the relation with him was a bit…special. Something like a love-hate thing. They hated each other's guts, but seemed to get along.

"What do you want, Mukuro…? Honestly, if you're calling me from my house, I warn you, that I'll tell your boss that you waste my money!" Now that she heard his voice, Elen wasn't that happy, because Mukuro always meant trouble and it was inevitable not to remember what he did to her. If that was his definition of fun, he had to wait to see hers. But for the moment, the girl had to arm herself with patience to be civilized enough to talk with him. It wasn't like they were lovers to get along really good and she wasn't one of his so-called 'pawns' to listen to what the illusionist had to say. One wrong thing and she would hang up and turn off her phone. "Kufufu, you hurt my feelings acting that cold. Didn't you miss me at all?" She was sure that if she heard that laugh one more time, she would all the control she still had. Indeed, Elen missed Mukuro, only because she didn't get to make him pay for that little joke of embarrassing her in front of Hibari Kyoya. He could have done anything else than that! Trying to calm herself from yelling at him, the girl took a sip out her coffee, before speaking again. "Miss you? Did you use illusionist again to make yourself think that I love you? That is impossible, especially after your stupid joke. Do you use even use your brain?" That question was blunt and those around her had to stop themselves from laughing, because it was hilarious. It wasn't like everyday they heard somebody practically making another one an idiot with so much subtlety, while trying to calm themselves.

"I'm really hurt! I think that you cheat on me~. I feel even more jealous that you were with the little birdie, kufufufu." Hearing that, Elen felt a nerve twitch, because he had the guts to say that, when he was at fault that she ended being pinned under that man. Not to say the amusement she offered the other competitors, because it was hard not to see them snicker or openly laugh. But it wasn't like somebody could see two people with a relation like hers and Mukuro's. Taking a deep breath, Elen tried not to be that impolite and hang up, even if she waited an opportunity for that. "You are right, you know? I really cheat on you, but you won't ever guess the person!" She heard his breath on the phone and smiled deviously, since her plan was working. Mukuro kept his mouth shut for once and that man wouldn't actually get man if she lied about them. The problem was if he heard, he wouldn't give her a break about that, probably being worse than the illusionist. "Byakuran! He is here and I must say that unlike you, who waste my money, he spoils me~. Mukuro-kun, I can't talk anymore, we go on a date now, so…bye~." She could imagine that he didn't like that, but hung up nonetheless, starting to laugh soon enough. Maybe she exaggerated, but Mukuro didn't let her another option with what he did. Well, only he knew what would happen when she returned.

Her conversation had been pretty funny, but they could focus on partying for the moment, since beginning with tomorrow, everybody had to focus on the race. Elen also had to buy clothes more adequate for being in a ship and that could offer her mobility. She could do that later, since it wasn't dark outside and even if it would be, she could take care of herself. The girl hoped that she would meet with Byakuran for the sole reason of finding out if Shoichi and Spanner were with him, to borrow them. They were great mechanics and if she had them on her team, then worrying about malfunctions would be in the past. That if the price for letting them go with her wasn't too high, because he wouldn't stay without asking something in exchange. If it was that damned paper to get allied, she would sign it! Elen could care less in that moment if she began again with that, as long as she didn't die. Her life was more important than a damn alliance. But that way even she would be advantaged. Having such a powerful person on whom she could rely, was really a good thing. Despite his hobby of getting things done his way, he was a good person.

"Did your lover call you~? You two seemed to get along!" Elen's grip on the glass tightened, since all that was pure crap. She didn't get along with Mukuro and especially, he was nothing to her. Maybe a pest or even a…friend, even if that was kinda much to say. Hearing Kotaro's laugh wasn't helping, because he seemed to have fun, but he got the message of keeping his mouth shut when she looked at him, eye twitching. "My dear Julie…I think you shouldn't drink anymore, because you say only stupid things! That man lives in my house, wastes my money, annoys me to no end, doesn't do anything! He's not my lover in the slightest!" Elen pouted, before returning to eating her cake, ignoring the look Julie was giving her. It wasn't a lie what she said about Mukuro, but maybe that was how their relation was seen from outside. They always argued like a couple, so maybe Julie had her own reasons to think that, even if it wasn't true. The worst was when she heard that voice from behind. Wasn't the local supposed to be rented and nobody could come inside while they were there? She had to deal with another one…or could play along and do like Mukuro. Waste Byakuran's money, requesting Shoichi and Spanner and signing the alliance treat. "Who's not you lover, Elen-chan?~" Or maybe not. She had to explain to another person that she and Mukuro weren't lovers, but the said illusionist would probably think that as amusing and wouldn't give a damn.

For the moment it was better to leave, then have Byakuran say or do something that would make her kill him on the spot. Beside, if she kept staying there anymore, there was no way she would be able to buy something or go back sober home. That if she got the right way. Elen sighed, paying her share, before waving to the others and wishing them good luck since the next day was the day of the race. If something went wrong, they would all die without even blinking. Those kinds of accidents were most dangerous, since there was no chance of escaping alive. She even ignored the fact that Byakuran was actually following her and tried to focus on other things, but it wasn't like she was able to. Elen was thinking of a solution to make him leave, since she was in no mood to entertain him further, but he sure had other plans. Before being able to react, her hand was grabbed by his, pulling the girl almost into his arms.

There was no way Elen would accept that, because honestly, it was enough that Mukuro was doing the impossible to be discovered in a compromising posture, she wasn't going to allow that with Byakuran too, being that his intention or not. The girl had been able to stabilize herself before falling and she was really annoyed. Not even his grinning expression or his laugh made her feel better, but frown. Was she that amusing for him or there was a reason behind everything? Elen asked him politely enough to let go of her hand, but instead, he kept dragging her to God knew where. Why was he behaving like that, she didn't know, but there was no way the girl would let him command her around like that. Boss of Millefiore or not, a dangerous man or not! She had her pride and no matter how power he had, Byakuran would have to use it on another person. Elen remembered Mukuro, because he was as stubborn and failed to at least listen to what she said and did what he wanted. They had that common trait, but nobody dared to tell them that, because it meant to have a death wish.

"What do you want?! I'm busy, Byakuran, just let me go! Honestly, you are more stubborn than Mukuro!" It seemed that being compared with the illusionist wasn't something pleasant, because not even the mist guardian liked the other. Stopping midway, Elen didn't have time to stop herself and hit his back. She was looking in his eyes, practically defying the Millefiore boss, but she didn't care at all. At least he didn't seem mad, but started to laugh again and she felt like an idiot, because she expected to use that opportunity to make some distance between them, but it seemed so useless at the moment. What Elen didn't expect was to feel his hand on her cheek and his face to be so close to hers. If somebody looked, they seemed like they were going to kiss soon enough. "And how do you know how stubborn is Mukuro-kun, Elen-chan?" She didn't expect that question, but the girl wasn't going to act like a coward and would answer, because seeing his reaction would be pretty funny. Sure, he and the illusionist displeased each other in another future, but now, she heard about their confrontations, even if most of them were between the mist guardian and Hibari Kyoya. "Simple! The pest lives in my house and refuses to go, no matter what I say or how I threaten him. Happy now?" Elen saw the frown on Byakuran's face and thought about what would happen if they ever met after the return in Italy. She didn't care how much Byakuran stayed there, but thanks to the competitors unable to race, the days she would stay there diminished.

Elen hoped that somebody from his family would come, it didn't matter who, to drag him away from her, so she could leave and mind her own business. It seemed quite impossible since that luck wasn't on her side and Byakuran didn't seem to let her go anytime soon. In fact, she looked like he thought about what she just said, but there was no way he would want to proof Mukuro that he was better than him by using her, was he? Elen didn't get her hopes too high, because both were proud men and the silent fight between them wasn't going to end too soon. She sighed, knowing that there was going to be another competition between them and honestly, all she wished was not to be involved, because France seemed such a good option, opposite to Italy, where she would have to listen to what his majesty would want to say or to change the lock of her room, since Mukuro probably broke it again. There was no way her life would be calm and peaceful again, unless she found somebody to take care of the family as she did and that would be the key to her freedom. Yet, she wouldn't feel that great to abandon them. "It seems that you and Mukuro-kun have a special relation, right Elen-chan? Can he be your lover~?" Elen almost felt the urge to kill herself hearing his words, but she tried to calm herself, before doing something illogical, such as strangling him.

"…Are you stupid? He is not my lover! He dragged me into a mess with-" Elen stopped herself before she managed to embarrass herself by telling that stupid joke Mukuro pulled. She just hoped that Byakuran wouldn't question her further, as he dragged her to a small café, where they could talk without being interrupted. Oh, joy, meeting that man meant misfortune from the start, not because he had criminal intentions, at least not with her, but because he wouldn't stop until his curiosity would be satisfied. That wouldn't be soon enough from what Elen saw. He cursed herself for being that stupid and telling him something like that, even if she didn't manage to finish. "Hm~? Who's the person with whom you do have problems now, Elen-chan?" She refused to talk, but they couldn't stay like that the rest of the day and all the night, because knowing him, he was able to keep her there. If she denied the truth, Byakuran would find a way to make her tell with everything with details and that would be worse.

It didn't matter that he brought her in a nice place and tried to get as much information as he could. Elen looked outside since it seemed to get cloudier and she didn't want to rain, but he seemed to actually have a car and if there would be that inconvenience, Byakuran would have to take her home. It would be his fault after all, no? "Fine! He possessed my body and took me to Hibari Kyoya with whom I had a fight and then after his stupid joke, we argued even more…" It was the truth being told partially, since Byakuran didn't have to know all the details. She ignored his gaze after and kept watching the grey clouds, since indeed, it looked like it would rain. It seemed that she wouldn't be able to buy new clothes for the next day and that was only his fault for keeping her busy. That wasn't going to stay like that, not if Elen had something to say and for sure she would make Byakuran take responsibility for his actions. "Thanks to your stubbornness, I can't go and buy new clothes for tomorrow, since you know, I'm participating in the race and I don't know if I'll be able to get to the hotel! Take me there, right now!"

He seemed to be amused and giggled, but she frowned, because there was nothing that could entertain him in what she said, but Byakuran was a strange man and it would be no wonder if he found something. She scoffed, before turning her look to continue with what she was doing earlier. That until he had decided to say something that made her blush. "You're so cute when you get like that, Elen-chan~. Don't worry, you can stay at my house tonight, I don't mind~. And if you need clothes, then I get buy them for you!" Elen frowned. Because there was no way she would go to stay at his house. It was better to walk and get soaked to the bone then stay with him. It was enough with what Mukuro was doing while lived with her, she wasn't going to take a risk, no matter how friendly it seemed. Byakuran seemed more amused by her reactions, because it was funny to fool around like that around her. "Go to hell with your offer! I'll take a taxi, who cares?!" She slammed her hand on the table getting up from her seat and being ready to leave, but it seemed that Byakuran had other plans with her. Hearing his laugh annoyed her further, but she didn't talk and waited for him to say something.

"You don't need to get that mad, Elen-chan, though you are cute.~ I was only joking~. Besides, it's not like we are going to sleep in the same room if you accept my offer!" Elen looked at the floor, thinking that it was the best opportunity to ask him to borrow Shoichi and Spanner, since they were good mechanics. She changed her expression, frowning at him, before actually thinking. If he was going to give her all that without requesting anything in exchange, was there a reason to refuse? She knew to defend and make herself respected and it wasn't like he would give up if she said no. "But~ there is a small condition~." Like she thought, everything was too beautiful to be real. Of course that he wouldn't hive her all that without requesting something in exchange. But Elen was willing to listen, since that way, she could also ask for those two and still go to the hotel she lived. "Just sign this and our families we'll be allied~." She had to expect that he would request for something like that, but Elen didn't quite care. If that way she could acquire Shoichi and Spanner and her live wouldn't be in so much danger, it was a small price.

"Fine. In exchange, I want Shoichi and Spanner to be my mechanics for the time being. At least until the competition ends." Byakuran seemed to think about what he just heard and Elen hoped that he would accept, since she would sign that alliance. Both would get what they wanted, so it shouldn't matter that much, should it? It wasn't like those two would pilot in her place, but only make sure that the ship functioned perfectly and there was no change of exploding in mid-air or a malfunction to occur. "Hm…It seems pretty fair, but your still coming with me, Elen-chan and I don't take a 'no' as an answer~." Before she could respond or even think about what to say, Byakuran dragged her from that place and before she could take a grip on the situation, Elen realized that she was indeed going to his place. At least they would have separate rooms…