Author's Note:
In the midst of the pickle Amato got into for the sake of his Famiglia, he now finds himself face to face with the White Titan once more. Only this time, he's standing before the anticipating eyes of the public! Truth be told, I didn't plan to feature Fionn again, but I realized it's been too long since he appeared, he's due for some more screen-time I think!
Chapter 71: Festa Degli Innamorati.
In the corner of my eyes I saw Sergio widen his eyes in slight panic. Even Dante and Vito's look turned sour. Can't blame them, I thought this was gonna be a little more than a contest. Who'd have thought I'd be facing the White Titan on stage?!
Steeling myself, caution washed over me as memories of what happened last year started seeping back. Fionn on the other hand, looked calm. In fact, he grinned a the sight of the cheering public, taking it all in as if he belonged on a stage like this; reveling in the chanting of his name, wind rustling through his golden hair...
"Well, guess I don't need that anymore." Casually, he tosses out the remark as his leaf green eyes fell to the Bauta mask at his feet. Flicking his wrist and sleeve, the guy looked to me with a different light in his eyes. Somehow I'm get the idea that he's getting excited, like a predator getting excited over his prey.
"Gulp." At the thought I couldn't help but swallow with worry.
"I never thought you were into this kinda stuff, Zanna. My opinion of you has gone up...even if it's only a little." The White Titan put it to my face bluntly, trying his best to conceal his eagerness to get on with the fight. Amidst the chanting of his name, Fionn's smile vanished. With but one word his assault reignited!
"Come!"
As if we're completely in sync, the very stage rippled as we broke into a charge! Thoroughly enjoying what's happening, Fionn met my gritting teeth and beads of sweat with a bestial smile. Though he seemed less than serious, his attacks still felt as heavy as before, propelled by what looked like slow, acute movement when in reality they shot at me like bullets!
"Huragh!" From the White Titan came a roar not unlike a beast's, and as I threw my punches at his sides, he would take but one step forward. His body surges forth at the command, and while my arms struck what felt like soft, relaxed muscles behind his robes, Fionn's arms lunged back at me like snakes!
"Crack!"
Like steel, his open palms dug into my chest, striking my ribs with a loud audible noise that seemed to ring in my ears. Even before my body reacted, reflex drove my right leg up into the air, locking down on Fionn's neck before I was pushed aside by the momentum of his attack! As soon as I got what feels like a grip I threw him back, only to have my vision spinning as I lose my foothold on the stage!
"Gragh!" Then the pain spiked, fiery heat seared my chest. As my vision wavered for a split second, I realized my throw has been countered! Not only that, Fionn once again has me in a joint-lock, his right arm around my right leg, his right knee pressing down on my hips and his left arm locking my arms as we came crashing onto the side of the grand stage!
"Thump!"
"Guh! Argh!" I knew it, I couldn't win against Fionn last year, and that time I fought him in my Awakening! Even as I am right now, no matter how much I struggle, his weight and limbs has me tied down. Pain gnawed at numerous points of my body and I'm sweating bullets, but he, in his thick, elaborate costume, has barely broken a single sweat!
"Whoa!" Of course, I suspect our fast flying moves made for some great entertainment, as the crowd were driven wild as soon as they were able to catch their breath!
"A spectacular display by the two of them, if I might say so myself! Though it seems it's clear who's gonna be the victor!" Following the crowd's reaction, the emcee yelled into his microphone like there's no tomorrow, possessed by the excitement of the match!
The very scene felt like deja vu, the same re-enactment as what happened when Fionn had his mask on. This time, however, my arms are locked in a vice-grip, rendering me unable to chop my way free like before! His instincts and reflexes are nothing to laugh at, and he seems to be able to adapt his fighting to the situation in the blink of an eye.
The more I thought about it, the more impossible it seem to strike a victory against the White Titan...
"Huh, you stopped struggling. What's the matter, you givin' up?" The guy asked out despite tightening the grip around my body.
Is he serious? I can't think of a reason why he's trying to talk to me at a time like this instead of focusing on throwing me out the ring except to gloat or to taunt, and both of those things seemed foolish. Trying to remain focused on the brawl my eyes zipped towards the various limbs holding me down.
If I could just locate the one under the least pressure I'll be able to pull myself free and break out of this deadlock!
"I can't believe you fought Kiera without her shield before and survived. She must really like you to be able to hold back that much power." Fionn gives out as if he's chatting to a friend, completely disregarding the fact that we're supposed to be tussling with each other. His brow furrowed as he started pondering on the subject, confused. "You may have had a taste against her Eight Extremities Fist...but it's nothing compared to my Supreme Ultimate Fist." Fionn boasted, showing none of the humility that's supposed to come from a practitioner of Martial Arts.
Annoyed by all the blabbering, I finally ripped my left leg free from the crushing weight of his knee lock!
"Stop it, I don't wanna hear another word from you!" Breaking out of my silence, my detest flooded out all at once. At the same time, the left leg came down at his right shoulder in an impromptu axe kick! It would be lacking in power, but it should be enough to do one thing!
"Crack!"
"Kuh!" There it is! Struck by a sudden blow, his right arm released its demon grip, and for the split second my legs were free!
And that one second was all I needed.
"Hragh!" A sharp yell summoned my strength as I raised my legs, stretching them to the sides. Trusting my instinct, they homed in on Fionn's neck like a giant pincer! Catching sight of the attack, Fionn freed his left hand, and raised both arms to the sides, hugging them close and pointing them upwards in an attempt to block. Fionn was fast, but even I could see that move was not fast enough!
"Snap!"
"Augh!" His arms managed to block and divert some of the power, but the kick still went through, digging into both sides of his neck. I'm surprised he only staggered back with a cry, an average person would have passed out from the shock of the blow! With no stopping my momentum, my legs kicked back in unison as my entire body was thrust into the air, pushed along by my arms. With a sharp flip I'm back on my two feet. As soon as they formed a stance, the image flashed into my mind, and I kicked to the ground in a mad dash towards Fionn!
The Supreme Ultimate Fist seems to focus around a philosophy of balance, particularly the divergence and redirection of power. In that case...
"Hack!" Stomping down right before him, I shot out my right leg, sending him a front snap kick! As expected, Fionn need only throw his palm out to catch the kick and stomp the ground to divert the incoming blow! But my assault doesn't stop there. Continuing the flow of movement and not wanting to lose the speed and momentum, my body sprung forth with a jumping front kick!
"Guragh!" Like a hawk, Fionn's eyes traced my movements, and as his right shoulder shoved itself forward to receive the blow, his left fist acted as a counterweight. As my feet met his side, the push was enough to propel the fist right into my left knee!
Crack.
"Gah! Argh!" I couldn't help but wince in pain at the horrible blow, but I wasn't planning to stop, not yet! As soon as the blow came, it sent my left leg swinging, and that set the stage for the next move! Dropping my left leg to the ground. my hips twisted hard to drive my right leg swinging forth in the other direction, sending a tornado kick flying at Fionn's head!
"Hup!" In his cry, Fionn moved in one swift motion, gently catching the kick that could have easily rearranged someone's face with his two palms. After receiving the blow he took one step forward before swinging a monstrous kick to my side!
No way, he manged to divert my tornado kick?!
"Thud!" Despite my surprise, my body moved, pumped full of adrenaline. My arms threw themselves around his leg, locking it in place as soon as it got close. As if beckoned by the thick air and the heat of the crowd, my hips turned, even as my eyes locked themselves with Fionn's. As soon as the angle aligned, my left leg shot at him with a horse kick!
"Uwah!" At this short a distance, my feet dug into his stomach, clean in the middle, the strength and speed of my turn enough to drive him off his feet, and in turn off the stage itself! His robes fluttering, Fionn was sent hurling towards the stone pavements. The last thing I saw from him was a look of absolute surprise flashing across the light of his eyes.
"Slam!"
"Hah..hah..hah..hah..huu.." In the stillness atop the stage, the rush subsided, and the air started to cool. Every muscle in my body burned as I made my way to the edge of the stage, staring down as my vision sharpened itself into focus. My mind, despite the torrent of thoughts, wanted nothing more than to understand what happened. Fionn lay motionless on the ground, his embroidered robes sprawled all over, his neat golden hair now in a mess.
Then suddenly there was a twitch.
"Gawd! That was a painful mistake..." Like a toy, Fionn just popped up and assumed a cross-legged position, rocking back and forth as his arm rubbed down hard on the back of his neck.
What the heck?! I can't believe it! He doesn't even look like he was hurt by any one of my kicks let alone gone through five rounds of the venetian brawl! Is he..even human? Cause I'm asking myself that question right now and I can scarcely believe he is judging from the fact that he looks uninjured even now!
As the questions kept screaming in my mind, my eyes glanced to the sides only to meet with the astonished eyes of the crowds. A second later, their look of suspense were replaced with smiles that stretched from cheek to cheek! Out of nowhere a hand pulled me back by my right shoulder!
"Heeee diid iiiiiiiiit!" Suddenly, the P. came to life, and the emcee's declaration rocked the streets! The victory fanfare exploded in an array of cheers as I realized the emcee somehow sneaked his way onto the stage and to my side!
"The Venetian Brawl welcomes a new champion! The piercing fang, Amato Zanna!"
In the constant cheer of the sea of faces now chanting my name, I can't help but smile as I scratched my cheek, eyes tracing along the stage as I made my way towards the emcee. The brawl had come to an end, and despite the surprise, it seems they haven't forgotten about the award ceremony. Out from the previously sealed glass case came a mask that glistened under the light. A dozen different colors accompanying the gold, the assortment of jewels, feathers and embroidery looked marvelous, even as Yoko fixed it onto my face.
"I'm really glad you were the one who won in the end, Amato..." Yoko mumbled bashfully as her face came into view. "I didn't expect the guys in Italy to be so...barbaric." She continued, with a rather scorching remark. It seems she no longer possess the fire from before. She doesn't seem angry anymore.
"Yeah, me too, although offering that kiss was a dumb idea to begin wit-"
"Oof!" Before I could finish, a clenched fist took a sharp jab at my ribs, shutting me up almost immediately. If the punch didn't do it, Yoko's darkened stare would've definitely did. I think it's best if I just drop that remark entirely.
"You don't have to say it..." Yoko whispered as she leaned close, her face softening up again. The scent of her hair, the faint sweetness coming from her was too much, and the next thing I know I'm going stiff, my eyes turning away from Yoko completely. However, Yoko was having none of it, it seems, as she pulled my gaze right back. Shifting the mask to the side, I felt my face flushed with heat as something soft pressed itself against my cheek.
I wasn't expecting anything, but I guess a promise is a promise. At least for Yoko it is.
The afternoon sun now drifts along the sky, as if eager to go down into the horizon. The bright, yellow sky slowly darkens into a deep sea of orange as my steps took me further down the streets of Venice, into the small alleys that dragged me away from the music and festivities. The more I push my steps down the stone paths, the more prevalent the memory becomes. As reluctant as I am, the scene of what happened replaying in mind serves as a reminder, and perhaps encouragement as to why my steps took me here.
I had followed my way off stage with Yoko, too flustered to say anything. When I finally plucked the courage to speak again, she suddenly shot a glance at me, her face dyed crimson. Amidst her slight trembling I thought she was stricken with fever before she bolted off without a single word, her red shirt and jeans quickly disappearing into the crowds!
"Y-Yoko?!" Immediately we broke out of the calm, with Sergio giving chase as soon as she went past him. Johann quickly scrambled after the two with a laugh, and with a nod my way Dante and Vito went off chasing after their footsteps.
I guess they still had their job to do. More importantly, did..I do something wrong? Was that the reason why Yoko ran off?!
The last to snap out of the daze and realize what's happening, I was just about to follow, catching sight of Vito's auburn hair vanishing down the streets, when someone's voice stopped me at my feet.
"Oi, Amato!"
The one person who's screeching call has always grind my thoughts to a halt, ever since his sister had to leave their house to become the Zanna Mansion's caretaker. Fionn made his way towards me with slight admiration in his eyes, much to my surprise.
"That last move...you practiced Taekkyeon?"He asked out, pushing his face close as his piercing gaze pressed for answers. Of course, as with most of the questions Fionn tosses my way, I have no idea what he's talking about.
"Uh..yes? I mean, no!...I dunno, I just followed my instincts." Fumbling with my words I finally gave him the truth, taking a small step back every time he came close. Fionn didn't seem entirely convinced though, as he started looking with my way with eyes tinged with suspicion.
"Huh..good instincts." He finally commented with a rather skeptical tone. Further sorting out his deep thoughts he then turned back to me again. "You've gotten stronger, definitely. And your potential..near limitless.."He mumbled as his eyes scanned my body from top to bottom.
Although I was barely paying attention because of what he said. It may have been nothing more than acknowledgment, but it's the first time Fionn praised me of anything! It feels strange talking talking to him like this. Usually he would have nothing for me but sarcasm and disdain.
It's unexpected...but a pleasant surprise nonetheless.
"Snap!"
"Hey, you still there, kid?" Just as the thought came to mind, Fionn brought me back with a sharp flick of his finger, right in the center of my forehead!
"Gah, ouch! Fionn, why'd ya have to do that?! Just when I start thinking you're actually a nice guy-!" I cried out, clutching down on my forehead with my hands before shutting right up when I saw how annoyed he started looking.
"I'm nice when I wanna be, but that's not the point! I just don't want you to get carried away by what I said!" He stated with clarity, with what sounded like a hint of concern in his tone of voice. His robes swaying from side to side, he made his way to my side in a heartbeat, his eyes turning to the skies above as he continued. "You still have a long way to go before you're Boss level standard, in terms of strength anyhow." He may have been telling me off, but the smile on his face made it clear that my growth left him quite an impression.
"All right then, on to the second reason why I stopped you..." Just as a sense of happiness washed over me, brought forth by his words, Fionn turned back to me with his old, piercing eyes. Somehow a certain saying started repeating itself in my mind, and I shuddered.
For all good things must come to an end.
"I saw what happened on stage earlier, Zanna!"
It was jarring.
His tone of voice warped from calm to furious in the split of a second. Jumping back almost on reflex, my mind cringed at the thought of what's gonna happen next! "I'm a guy and all, so I sort of understand, but what about Kiera?" He pressed on, his voice accentuating the last few words.
"Uh..well..you see.." It was a volatile situation, so much so that no word could come to mind. None which would help in this situation anyways. My eyes widened to the point of almost giving out, I ended up resigning myself to Fionn and whatever he had for me in mind.
"Smash!" Then, all of a sudden he threw his fist at the wall beside him in a light knock, and the wall cracked and split from that one move alone!
"Considering the occasion, I think it's a good idea to go spend some time with my sister."Fionn ordered, his words seeping out of his gritting teeth and forced smile.
"B-But I have no idea where she is!" I argued on reflex, barely squeezing the words through his overwhelming presence. Not to mention what did he mean by 'occasion'..? Just as I looked to Fionn for an answer, I'm instead met with clenched fists and an extremely annoyed disposition.
Uh oh.
"GO FIND KIERA RIGHT NOW!"
"Yessir!"
And so here I am. To this little shop in the corner of the city. The one shop that's said to have whatever you need, so long as you ask. I know Fionn kinda pushed me into this whole thing, but I guess I'm just as guilty for agreeing to do it. Besides, now I'm interested to find out what Kiera's doing right now, and what was so important that she had to take time away from the mansion to and travel here into the city to see to.
With a slight push, the doors to the wooden store creaked open. White light poured out from within as the swiveling stopped.
"Ding ding!"
The bell chimed lightly as I walked in. Immediately the atmosphere changed. A more serene, isolated scene within the store replaces the festive reality out in the streets. Pushing my way through the golden shelves filled with crafts and toys of every kind, a small lamp hanging from the wall revealed the sight of an antique wooden counter, right at the very end of the store. It feels magical just standing there within the store itself, so much so that I found myself lingering around, not wanting to leave the slightest bit.
"Ah, a customer!" A mellow voice cut into the silence just as my hands reached out for the ornate ring at the side of the counter. From the other side came an old man with droopy eyes behind glasses and a scalp full of aged white hair. Though his movement subtle, his eyes grew bright when he came into light. He must be the shopkeeper.
"No, I uh.." Though the words spilled forth without much thought, I couldn't find myself finishing the sentence before the sight of the shopkeeper's hopeful eyes. I was reluctant to buy anything, but looking down at the ring in hand; a simple band of silver that seemed to gleam ever so slightly, I changed my mind.
"I'll just have this, Signore."
"Good lad." With a nod at my answer, my heart lightened at the sight of a pleasant smile stretching across the shopkeeper's wizened face. The price was no problem. With a spring to his steps, he gladly accepted my notes before moving on to hand-wrap the ring I bought. The effort he put in down to the smallest detail showed me just how experienced he is at his profession.
"So you're the young man I've been hearing so much about...Amato Zanna, right?" As his eyes fell to his work, he started talking, his very words taking me aback.
Huh? The shopkeeper knows my name?
"Do I..know you, signore?" Immediately I raised the question in response. I can't help but cast suspicion as I did, much to my own chagrin.
I mean, the idea of this old man being an assassin is ridiculous! Not to mention, it feels disrespectful to even consider such a thing without anything to go on...
"Oh ho, no! We never met in person, but old Piero's memory hasn't failed him yet!" The shopkeeper answered heartily, laughing to himself from his side of the counter. Just as surprise came over me, one word from the guy drew back into focus.
"Signore...Piero? You're the one Fionn mentioned!" As the realization hit me, I couldn't help crying out. That's right, Fionn did say something about the shopkeeper being a close friend to house De Luca. Apparently, signore Piero's the person to go to if I wanna know where to find Kiera!
"Oh, you met Fionny, did'cha?" Signore Piero continued right after hearing Fionn's name.
"Pfft!" The nickname he had for Kiera's brother had me burst into a laugh so abruptly I had to press it back down with a hand to my mouth! "Yeah...by the way, signore Piero, do you know where to find Kiera? Fionn said you're the best person to ask..." As a slight chuckle slipped out, I found myself asking Piero the question right after. If I carried on chatting like this, the sky would probably turn dark by the time I stepped back out into the streets. Perking with interest as he handed me the ring all wrapped up, signore Piero's eyes glanced to the side with a smile stretching across his face.
If I didn't know any better, it looked like he was hatching an idea in mind.
"Sure lad, I'll tell you where Kiera is, if you agree to help me deliver something." Out of nowhere signore Piero suddenly gave out his condition, his face brightening up as he did. They say with age comes wisdom, but I think signore Piero may have gotten more than wisdom with the years. A bit of cunning seems to have sneaked its way in as well.
"Delivery? You mean you want me to get something to another of your customer?" Without much thought I just reacted to his words, gracefully accepting the stuff I bought.
"Yes. You don't mind helping an old man out, yeah? The store's been mighty busy..." Signore Piero explained, even as he stood with a smile behind the register, awaiting my answer. Even as I turned around only to be greeted by the solemn silence and vast empty spaces between the shelves. Just what is he so busy with?
Well, beggars can't be choosers. I suppose a favor for a favor seems appropriate at a time like this.
"All right, Signore Piero, I'll do it. So now can you tell me where to go to find Kiera?" With care, I once again asked the question with eager. In his small joy the old man scrambled and fumbled around the counter at the back before popping back up at me with a wrapped gift the size of my palm. Only when I accepted it did he took out a piece of paper, and hastily wrote down what seemed like more than a few lines of words.
"Here you are, the directions you'll need to go to find Kiera." Signore Piero instructed as he stuffed the piece of paper into my hands. "Head to Rialto Bridge, just a few blocks from here. The one to receive that delivery will be there." Piero continued, even as I waved goodbye and turned to the door, with both gifts in hand.
"Thank you very much, signore Piero!" Out of gratitude I gave him my thanks with a smile. It's always interesting to meet new people, and this meeting has certainly been a pleasant one. As my hands closed down on the ornate, metal knob and the wooden door creaked open, Piero called out from the counter again. One last thing to say before I head back out to the streets.
"Young man, make sure to read that note only after you've completed the delivery!"
The faint smell of salt gets stronger as I pushed my way past the stone walls and closer to the grand canal. The Venetian Gothic architecture opened up to white stone as the Rialto Bridge came into sight. It arches over the grand canal, a symbol of this city for as long as I could remember. It isn't just a simple, stone bridge though. For centuries, numerous architects and designers took part in refurbishing the Rialto Bridge, and commerce gave birth to various shops littered by the sides. Covered from one end to the next, the grand majesty of the bridge remained a breathtaking sight to behold, from both up close and afar.
It's a famous tourist attraction, and people would fill the twenty meters-wide bridge from one corner to the next. But for some reason, it was quite empty by the time I started climbing the thing. Perhaps the Carnavale's the cause, but I could only see about a dozen figures sprawled atop the bridge. Most were just passing by, crossing their way from one end of the grand canal to the next.
Only one person stood in the center, looking out into the sky and the orange sun. Whoever it was, they stood out like a sore thumb, hooded and dressed in robes that touched the ground and covered their feet. A deep, cordovan color amidst Rialto's faded white.
"Um, excuse me..." I called out to the mysterious, robed figure, eyes transfixed on the detailed embroidery flowing down the sides. Somehow they seemed familiar, yet different. "...are you the one who's expecting a package?"
The figure twitched at my words, and a sudden gust of wind revealed strands of golden hair as the person's profile came to view from inside the hood. "Hm? Why yes, I suppose that's correct..." From the face still partially covered, a distinctly feminine voice replied. And one I'm so very familiar with.
"K-Kiera?!" Upon recognizing the voice, I blabbered out the name in surprise. Similarly, the figure flustered as the hands pulled back the hood as the face turned to me. Kiera's sparkling green eyes appeared amidst her unblemished skin, looking just as surprised as I was. The only difference about the picture though, was the fact that she had her hair down. A sea of golden hair flew with the wind, and reached for her shoulders.
"Lord Amato?! You're..you came out of the mansion on this day?" Immediately I was assaulted with words of concern from my caretaker, so out of place that I couldn't come up with anything in response. Just like Vito, she seemed wildly surprised to see me, almost a bit too much. "How are you feeling? Are you okay, my lord?"
It's too much. I've been so accustomed to how Kiera looks with braids that I never imagined how she'd look otherwise. The new look is just...stunning!
"I-I-I uh...I-I'm fine!" Suddenly washed with heat and emotion I can't help but stammer with words as my eyes jerked to the sides. To keep myself distracted, my fingers dug deep into my pockets before stumbling forth with the package I'm supposed to deliver, nearly tossing it at Kiera as I did. "T-This is for you!" I nearly yelled out those words as I stilled my shaking hands before pressing it towards her direction.
"Y-You got me something?" In slight surprise, the girl with golden hair gently accepted the package, and with haste, started tearing it open. She did turn away to the edge of the bridge when she did, though. As soon as her gaze turned, I fumbled through my overshirt for that tiny piece of paper, curious and worked up over what Piero had written.
Did he set all this up so that I would meet with Kiera? If so, why couldn't he just tell me about it?
As the thoughts pulsed in my mind, somewhat calming my excited disposition, I finally got the slip of paper out. Cursive words appeared on white surface as I unfolded the thing, eyes scanning the message from the very first word...
The person you seek is standing right before you. I suppose there's little reason for you to read this after all, huh? Still, the poor girl's been quiet these few weeks. Her eyes would fall to the ground as if stricken by thoughts unwanted. Since you're the guy she talks about all the time, I figured a little gift from you might just pull her a smile on her face. Even more so considering the occasion.
Thanks for helping out,
Piero
"...lucchetti dell'amore." Facing away from me, Kiera's voice mumbled, catching my attention even before I could react to the message Piero had written.
Locks...of love? I think I heard about that. The story written a few years ago, of young lovers tying down chains with a padlock on with their names inscribed on it, then throwing away the key into the nearby river. That way, their love would forever be connected, and never driven apart.
Almost immediately my eyes caught sight of the things! Thousands of padlocks littered along the sides of Rialto, hidden behind the stone, each with its own initials carved on the surface of the lock-
Suddenly, I'm swallowed up by something soft. Dazed for a few seconds, I only realized it was someone's arms wrapping themselves around my chest. Kiera, with a goofy smile sprawled across her reddened face, squeezed herself close with delight, hugging me hard. Overwhelmed by the sensation, the faint scent of her hair and her look embarrassed my mind and body came into a grinding halt. I could neither think nor hug Kiera back...
"Festa degli innamorati...I can't believe you came out of the house today just to give this to me! Thank you so much, Amato!" Kiera exclaimed excitedly, with a face I had never seen on her before. A hopeful look in her eyes, a strong contrast to the usual, calculating look she puts on, and a smile so bashful it all but captured my heart! When she let go, I saw what she got from the package; an ornate padlock black and gold, with a long set of chains. The writing 'A+K' was all that was inscribed on the surface. No wonder the package felt so heavy compared to its size.
Skipping her way back to the stone columns raised at the edge of Rialto, she carefully had the padlock chained down tight. With me staring at her back, she hurled the key into the canal with all her might!
"Splash!"
And just like that, the silver key disappeared into the brackish waters. As if just realizing what she did, I saw from behind how Kiera collected herself, straightening her back and rearranging her messed up robes. Then she glanced back towards me, and I could still see her cheeks flushed red.
"Ahem...I'll see you back at the mansion, Lord Amato." She gave out before trotting back in the direction of the Zanna mansion, slowly disappearing into the streets of Venice.
My body however, was still as hard as stone, and just as immovable. Numerous thoughts seeped into my head; everything that's happened today, how Kiera just reacted at the gift, my own troubled feelings. But one thing lingered, pushing away all others. A certain phrase Kiera mentioned.
Festa degli Innamorati.
When I realized, I can't help but bring my palm to my face in shock.
"Oh man, how the heck did I forget...?" I didn't catch sight of the calendar today, I didn't have a good look at all. "Today's February 14th...Valentine's day...and.." Time flew by in a blink of an eye. I didn't realize it was already here. No wonder I was feeling so frustrated earlier today. Today's a special day, no doubt. More so for myself than any other...
"...my birthday."
Well, it seems that the day of love and affection doubles as the day Amato came to this world! The tenth boss of the Zanna Famiglia must have had a lot on his mind to have even forgotten his own birthday! What's gonna happen next now that everything's clear? Is a birthday celebration, one fit for a mafia boss, in order? Keep your eyes open for the next chapter to find out, as this mini-arc comes to an end!