Author's Note:

Third arc and it's coming to an end. Are the characters interesting enough to draw your interest? Are you able to relate to them through their behavior and actions? Most importantly, do they seem lively or static? I find myself asking these questions, well, I guess the time will come for me to know. Enjoy.

Chapter 21: I Want To Believe...

And so, the curtains are set, the lights dimmed, smoke and shadow filled the stage. The doors opened to let in a huge number of people, all chattering, excited about the performance itself. Among the crowds, we were there, amidst the masses of the public, blending in seamlessly. It had been quite the Festival, and I think everyone was glad that it's coming to an end, after all that has happened. I was... conflicted, I guess. With emotions. I want to see Gina perform, but I also want to avoid seeing Johann perform. Sergio walked in behind me, covered in a bandages, creaking the bone in his shoulders. Aria strolled in, holding hands with Gamma, who seemed strangely concerned at what's happening, as opposed to his usual, serious self. Kiera and Vito entered in the same attire as always, a maid outfit and a flight-jacket, with Sera in a soft, yellow dress that I've never seen before. Even the Arcobaleno, Colonello, was joining us today. He had to hide his pacifier, though. Arcobaleno, the seven strongest babies in the world...

Just as the last of the audience walked in and the door was about to close, the newest member of my Famiglia walked in with slow, powerful steps. He still had the same attire on as well, a waistcoat and a fedora hat. Adjusting his hat, he gives off a powerful presence, I swear I heard a few girls gasp in awe.

Dante Ignazio.

A man of few words. It took me a while to realize that the serious look he had on his face, is actually his neutral face, it just had a touch of seriousness to it. As he walked on, with most of the crowd looking at him, he kept a steady pace with his eyes closed, as if he was so sure of the steps, he did not need to see. Eyes just seems to fall on him. This must be what people call 'Charisma'. Of course, none of us have our weapons with us tonight, well, I'm not so sure about Vito, he always seems to be able to pull his daggers and knives out of that jacket of his.

Trying to distract myself didn't work, as the thought of having an assassin who tried to kill me as a member of my Famiglia kept coming up in my train of thoughts. Am I doubting him? I don't want to do that. Even now, the memories of what happened yesterday begin floating into my mind.

I stared towards the docks, my body covered with sweat from moving so much, my breath still catching up with my body. The sun is already setting, the glow in bright yellow, fading off into the sky. The clouds drift on despite what had happened, birds fly and I could still hear cars and other vehicles driving. Everything still remained the same. I can't believe it's over just like that. It took less than a minute! It would seem like a dream if not for the sting of my wounds constantly reminding me that it was reality. It's difficult to believe even if it happened right before my eyes! I feel tired, wobbly as the power left my body. Suddenly, a shout woke me right up.

"Hey! What do you think you're doing?" A voice yelled out. I turned to see that it was the Arcobaleno called Colonello. His face was calm, but the tone of his voice was not.

It turns out Kiera, Vito and Sera already had their weapons raised at Dante. Sergio was also glaring at him, though he had thrown away his chains. As I got closer, Dante spoke out, as calm as serious as he was. "It's okay, Arcobaleno." That stopped Colonello from doing anything.

"Why did you help us?" Kiera shouted out, making sure everyone could hear. It felt more like a demand rather than a question.

"Could you deny that my help was welcome?" Dante gave out, this time seemingly in a more casual tone. Everyone reacted to that answer, probably cause we couldn't.

"Ugh.." Kiera muttered out at that comment, uncertainty now in her eyes. As she lowered her shield, Vito and Sera followed suite.

"So you helped us on your own, good will?" Kiera asked out, her voice shaking a bit. She must be really doubting that he would help. I guess I should be too, they did say he was the one who shot me, indirectly. I stood confused at what was happening and what I should do. The wind began blowing, as if moving in anticipation of what's gonna happen next. My Famiglia as well as the Giglio Nero Famiglia stands watching, waiting and preparing, should any conflict occur.

"I understand that my actions would risk my life, should you get hostile against me..." His words the first to break the stares of silence, still calm and collected, even when he's in a situation that would end his life if we wanted. He must have nerves of steel. "I only ask to walk away with my life." He gave out a demand, yet, it was in a calm, soft tone, like someone would be when he's trying to get on your good side. Not begging, though. I look around to see even those members of each Famiglia, injured as they are, trying hard to focus on what was happening.

"You declared you would no longer be a threat to my Famiglia, but why are you still here after three months?" Kiera rebutted, seemingly unconvinced of what Dante has said. I could see her hands tensing around her weapon while occasionally looking to my side. Does she want me to handle this situation?

"..." Dante didn't give his reply at all, looking down with clouded eyes. I think he was reluctant to tell.

Then, he just started walking towards the exit. His head was still looking down, eyes blocked by his hair. I don't know why, but I had the strangest feeling that he was sad. That he needed help. Kiera stands surprised at his action, but does nothing to stop him. The sound of his rifle clanking with each step echoed throughout the scene as he walked.

"Wait, what was that about you being a traitor?" I went out of my way to ask, surprising myself, as well as everyone else. Dante's faced changed as he lifted his head and stopped his steps, eyes widening with surprise. What was I doing? I find myself asking the same question. After a few seconds of contemplation, Dante finally spoke out.

"... I've failed in my mission to kill you before..." He seemed ashamed as he was explaining. Maybe asking for help is something he had never done before. "..It was supposed to be something that was well within my capabilities, even with the Black Valkyrie here with you..." At that title, I find myself occasionally shifting my eyes to Kiera. "The conclusion the Calcassa has came out with is that I must've defected... And my actions today only aggravates my current situation..." Dante continued, his words losing that conviction and strength he had before, calm as they were.

I felt strangely concerned for him, I don't know why. Could it be that I feel responsible for his troubles? But he was an Assassin sent to kill me. Whatever it was, I find myself asking. "What.. What'll happen to you?" My words light and soft, my tone gentle but shaking. It was as if I truly fear for the danger he was gonna face. Why?

"I will be hunted down, that is what the Calcassa has decided." His tone now returned to back it was, calm and serious. With those words, his steps slowly resumed.

"Wa-wait!" I called out. That was when I made my decision. Dante stopped and faced me once again, his eyes looking away, his eyelids falling.

"If everything you say is true..." I slowly gave out, gulping down saliva in preparation. "Then join my Famiglia." Everyone reacted to my words, and I don't expect them not to. "We are not exactly strong at the moment, as you probably know. You helped us out, even when you could've just walked away. The synergy you had with us was impressive, powerful." I continued. Looking around, I guess everyone agreed to my reasons. Sergio and Kiera looked like they wanted to object, but said nothing. "So... uh..what do you say?" I asked, reaching out my hand.

Dante looked surprised, eyes wide, now more than ever. It took a few seconds before a small smile sneaked across his face. "You..." He slowly give out his words. Though serious, it had a distinctive tone of amusement in them. "Are a very strange man, Zanna Decimo.."

Grabbing my hand and exchanging a handshake, he gave me his reply. "I accept."

So here I am, watching the play as it unfolds with my Famiglia. From my seat, we all looked like normal teenagers. Nothing you said could've convinced me that these people fought with guns and blades just yesterday. The members looked on, enjoying the play and applauding when appropriate. Occasionally, I see them giving me quick glances. Sergio must have told them what happened during the final rehearsals. I just sat back in my seat, relaxed while I watched. I won't do anything crazy today. Even as the kissing scene played, and I watched Johann and Gina kissed, I managed to stay seated. I couldn't help but grit my teeth and gripped my hand harder, though.

The sky gave off the glow of the setting sun as a whole bunch of us were walking home. Orange tint with fluffy white clouds. Today didn't feel so cold."Hey, you're wearing the Badge of Creativity! Awesome, Amato!" Gina gives me her congratulations before I could give her mine. Now that I think about it, it seems I had forgotten about it, thinking so much about what happened yesterday. This must've been why some of the students were eyeing me so much. I just thought they were weird. The badge glowed and reflected the light of the sun. A simple design of black, green and golden chrome, yet, they were all that's needed to give off its message. Gina hops around smiling and admiring my badge, so much that I feel strange from the attention.

"No, you were great on stage, Gina." I tried to calm myself by giving off my own praises to Gina. Gina reacted blushing at my words, smiling. My Famiglia walks on as well as the Giglio Nero, chatting with my friends.

"Really?" Aria voiced out louder out of a sudden.

"Yeah, I was just on my way to Mafia-land. " Collonello yelled out, his voice as gung-ho and ever. "Hey! They say the next Vongola might be going there soon, the kid in line for the title of Vongola Decimo!" He continued, well sorta talking, sorta shouting, I guess.

"Skull..." Aria uttered out with worried words. I guess she cares about all Arcobaleno, no matter what they do or who they affiliate with.

Vongola Decimo. Collonello went on and explained that he's rumored to be about my age, from Japan. I wonder how he's holding up? My Famiglia as well as the Giglio Nero were also staying cautious and inspecting Dante, who was walking a distant behind us, quietly and calmly, as if he didn't us to be disturbed by his presence.

"Sigh." I gave out. I only hope they can get accept Dante in time. If all works well, Dante would be a great addition to the team. I feel no threat from Dante anymore. As I stared up into the sky carried by my steps, I'm just glad that this incident's over. As for Johann, if Gina really is falling for him, I'll just have to work harder. Way harder.

Still, as I closed my eyes looking at the setting sun, I want to believe in Gina, and myself. I trust her that much.

I want to believe in Gina, Dante, my Famiglia, and most of all...myself.

Sorry! I'm so sorry I'm late! Note to self, headache, sickness plus writer's block equals not a good time to be writing. Not a good time to be doing anything out of bed, for that matter. I won't let this affect my chapter updates though, so you'll be seeing a double chapter update this time! Once again, I'm sorry! And I hope you enjoyed this chapter!