#bruari

Giorno was a powerful God. His reputation preceded him and the tales of his exciting adventures had enthralled both young and old alike. Gaining a reputation for being a bit of a trickster, his playful antics were offset by his righteous and benevolent nature, and he quickly became synonymous with putting his disciples first and heeding the call of those who were in need, regardless of their social standing, often doing them favours without any expectations. His aid extended to souls as well, as he had also guided recently departed souls into the underworld, and as a result had forged a strong friendship with the ruler of the underworld, Bruno and his beautiful queen Aria. Together they had ruled with an even hand, and made sure that the balance between the worlds was always maintained. There had been various rumours surrounding the circumstances under which Aria had found herself at Bruno’s side. They were so different, Bruno being subdued, mysterious and aloof at best, while Aria was the embodiment of spring herself, leaving joy and colour wherever she went, she could imbue life into the most barren of places. However, for all her beauty and grace, Aria was not one to be toyed with and did not suffer injustice and malice easily, thus invoking a part of her persona that one would rather avoid for their own sakes. With all their differences though, a glance at the pair told one all they would need to know about why they belonged together. They had balanced each other, he brought stability to her airy nature and she afforded him the freedom to think about and appreciate the abstract- a divine pair who served as the example of what love should be. Giorno had appreciated their combined wisdom, but artfully dodged any inquiry into his own affairs. 

It was a day like any other, however, Giorno had risen before dawn, and used the early start to traverse his lands on his own, undisturbed, it gave him a rare opportunity to be alone with his thoughts. The atmosphere was beautiful, everything was bathed in a gentle golden glow, creating a sight so impressive that Giorno had to stop to appreciate the beauty of it all. What he hadn’t planned on was catching sight of the goddess who brought about the change from night to day. Bria was a lesser known goddess, however that didn’t mean her purpose was any less important. A being born of light and darkness, she was the only one who could dwell in both spaces and come out unharmed.

Transfixed by her beauty, Giorno found himself unable to tear his eyes away from her glowing form, her speed rivalling his own, she was gone almost as quickly as she had appeared, leaving the young God without an opportunity to speak to her or even find out her name. As perturbed as he was though, he was certain that their paths would cross once more. Bria had made her way towards her destination, oblivious to the events that had been set in motion from the simple event of her being noticed and rearranged the celestial bodies to signify the start of day. She spent much of her free time between day and night meandering about the enchanted forests she held dominion over and her home with her father, Mahin, the Lunar deity, better known as the God of the eclipse. She had felt at peace while in nature, seeing that her mother, Mira, was a celestial light sprite forged in the lava of Mount Vesuvius, thus making her neither human nor God. It was forbidden for a God to marry a lesser being, but Mahin would listen to nobody and went ahead with his plan and as a result, Bria was born. Her feet always became heavier as she approached her home. The exchanges with her father had become more draining with each passing year since Mira's death, and as she approached adulthood, she was convinced that he had hated her entirely.

The winged demigoddess' heels resounded with a light clatter alerting her father of her arrival. She was earlier than usual, her garb, wings and adornments still white signifying the morning. 

She thought of slipping past him, but she had caught his attention, and would have felt guilty had she ignored him. 

"Greetings, father" she said softly with a bow, which was reciprocated by a low hum and a few mumbled words, before Mahin had left the area with his vassals, barely looking at her. Perhaps ignoring him would have been better she thought, pouting to herself before going out to tend to her garden. There were a few enchanted seeds gifted to her by Aria that had started to sprout and she had been curiously tending to the seedlings wondering about what kind of plant they would turn into. She had lost track of time and noticed herself changing signalling the middle of the day. While Bria had lovingly tended to her garden, Giorno had arrived at the underworld. He had played with Cerberus who ran to him and then back to Aria, before announcing his arrival. 

“Giorno, how are you today?” Aria received him with her usual warm greeting that left a smile on his face. Bruno had been reading on his throne, but joined his queen upon the young God’s arrival and extended a greeting of his own. The couple had noticed Giorno was preoccupied and quieter than usual, and decided to ask what was bothering him. 

“You seem uncharacteristically reserved today… is something wrong?” Giorno considered carefully before venturing an answer to Aria’s question.

“I’m alright… I’ve been meaning to ask you… there’s a maiden, a celestial, that ushers in dawn… do you know who she is?" The couple exchanged a knowing look, amused at his awkwardness. 

“We live here, a great distance away from the heavens, we wouldn’t know who she is. Why don’t you ask her yourself?” Bruno feigned nonchalance and turned his attention toward Cerberus to hide the faint smile blooming on his face. 

“Don’t tease him, Bruno,” replied Aria with a laugh, “Giorno, her name is Bria. You may or may not have seen her as her appearance changes according to the time of day, she brings in the dawn, and is responsible for nightfall as well. She mostly keeps to herself though. Most people are intimidated by her father, the God of the eclipse, so they stay away from her, but once you get to know her, you’ll find she’s of a very gentle, sweet disposition.” 

“I see… are you friends with her?” 

“I am, we often run into each other when I summon the start of spring, and I gave her some seeds just the other day-” 

“You said she appears during dusk as well?” Giorno’s eyes widened at his sudden realisation. Although he had convinced himself that he would see Bria again, he didn't think the opportunity would present itself so soon, and hastily excused himself to meet her.

Bria had once again left her abode and dwelled among the stars once more, pleased with her work as she watched the sky change colours with the sunset, she was startled by Giorno who had just managed to catch up to her. Her breath caught in her throat and when she had realised who was before her, she had bowed immediately. Giorno, had asked her to rise, and told her such formalities were unnecessary, being slightly taken aback by her gesture. 

“My name is Giorno…” he choked out his words, only deepening the blush on his face, and wished he could kick himself and start over. She, on the other hand, had found the awkward way in which he fumbled through his words endearing. The demigoddess was still unsure of what the young God had wanted with her, but enjoyed the company nonetheless. 

“You’re probably wondering why I’m bothering you… I’ve just returned from the underworld and had promised Aria that I would check on you…” a bold-faced lie, but it drove the conversation forward leaving no time for regret. The pair had settled in a spot close to Bria’s home and spent longer than they realised just talking to each other about many different things. It wasn't forced nor did they have any awkward silences between topics, and the more Giorno had learned about Bria, the harder he had fallen. 

“As much as I’d love to continue this conversation, I must go,”

“I understand… When can I see you again?” he asked, reaching for her wrist, preventing her from leaving before she answered him. 

“I’m bound by my celestial duties and you know where to find me…” she had turned around, with a coy smile, her long dark hair swinging behind her as she walked away. Giorno was satisfied with that exchange, but eyed the gloomy castle suspiciously, unsure of the reason for his unease, he turned around and went back to his own abode. 

“Why were you speaking to Giorno? What business does he have with you?” slightly grimacing at his tone, Mahin didn't try to soften his requests. Ever since Mira had died, he had struggled to communicate with Bria. Consumed by his own grief, he was unable to look at her without seeing her mother, which turned him into a cold, uninvolved parent, resulting in a lonely childhood for Bria. Unsure of how best to proceed, her answer was only just louder than a whisper. 

"There was no particular reason… he just struck up a conversation and we walked home… that's all,"

"I see… that will be all then," his gaze returned to a map that he was studying while Bria remained rooted to her spot. Finding the courage, she spoke once more, "Father… have I wronged you in some way, she asked, inching her way forward until she stood at an arm's length. 

"No, why would you ask that?" 

"Because… because of this! Ever since mother died, you barely acknowledge my existence… you can't even bring yourself to gaze upon my face. Am I that wretched to you?" overwhelmed by her emotions, she turned away to hide the tears glazing over her eyes. The soft quality of her voice laden with many years’ worth of pent up emotion moved Mahin’s otherwise steely heart. 

“Bri… don’t ever think that. When I look at you, all I see is her… and I'm faced with my own failures. You're a blessing, perhaps the one good thing that will be left when I-" Before Mahin could continue, he was interrupted by an unexpected guest. Ignacio was the ruler of the sun. A fickle and unyielding God, he was uninterested in the affairs of lesser beings and wore a permanent disdainful scowl. he was aware of exactly how important he was for the survival of the universe, and grew to resent having that responsibility purely by virtue of his ability. As a result, Bria had been called upon to assist, having the ability to withstand the extreme conditions. Ever since she had taken over the regulation of day, earth and its denizens had enjoyed stability and were able to develop routines and maintain order in their previously chaotic world. He entered the room making the air slightly harder to breathe with his presence and looked down his nose at Bria before addressing her father. Ignacio was followed by his sons Elio and Niccolo, who were almost as powerful but not nearly as imposing as their father was. Bria realised the moment had passed and any attempt to see eye to eye with her father would have to wait for another day. It was still upsetting though, and she left without making eye contact with anyone else and went to the beautiful fountain in her garden that her father had built in Mira’s image. Feeling her mother’s presence there, Bria had always returned to that spot in times of sorrow, allowing her to express her feelings without judgement. Taking her usual seat, she let her fingers skim the water disturbing the clear reflection of the moonlit sky and spoke. 

“I wish I could reach him… please, if you’re listening, show me a way to pull him away from the darkness…” her tears had finally betrayed her and fell down her face in sparkling streams. Inside the castle, Niccolo had grown tired of his father’s antics and had excused himself with Elio. 

Being the younger of the pair, Elio had enjoyed a carefree existence, with most of the responsibility of Ignacio’s succession falling on Niccolo’s shoulders and while he had respected his father’s powers, he didn’t agree with the manner in which he had treated everyone. Elio had slipped out and gone on one of his escapades chasing after the water nymphs while Niccolo started to make his way back home until he had caught sight of Bria. He watched her drawing her knees close to her chest as the gentle breeze played with her hair. Limned by the moonlight, her burnished skin glowed and appeared as if she had been illuminated from within. He wanted to approach her, but felt as though he would be intruding on something sacred, however, his stalling had resulted in Bria noticing him first. She quickly dabbed her face with the back of her hand and greeted him with a placid smile. 

"Niccolo, are you okay?" 

"Me? I wanted to ask you the same… may I sit?" His voice was as gentle as the expression on his handsome face. He perched himself opposite Bria and carefully regarded her, waiting for her to start speaking if she wanted to. 

"I'm sorry if I appeared rude… I-" Niccolo cut her off before she could continue with the rest of her apology. 

"Please, you have nothing to apologise for… we had intruded on you. I'm sorry for his arrogance… I promise, when I assume the role, things will be better… I will be better…" There was an air of determination in Niccolo that Bria hadn't seen before, a fire in his honey colored eyes only made more intense by the way in which he clenched his jaw. 

"I know… you're not like your father, you'll be a great ruler I just know it" she offered with a gentle smile before turning her attention back to the water. Had she kept her eyes on him, she would have noticed the way in which Niccolo's gaze had softened after her comment. Having grown up around each other, Bria's sunny disposition kept the young deity grounded and afforded him a safe spot to be himself.  She had a way of calming his thoughts when his rage became unbearable, and before long he had found himself basing all his decisions on whether or not she would approve. What he hadn't realised yet was that he was steadily falling in love with her, imagining her at his side when he would inevitably take over from Ignacio. A few more moments of idle chatter followed before Niccolo had left. Bria had felt her tiredness tug at her eyelids and retired for the night, allowing her to have a restful, dreamless sleep before she rose to fulfil her duties once more. 

In the days that followed Giorno had risen even earlier in the hopes of running into the elusive demigoddess. As expected, she had arrived daily, and with her came dawn. Taken with her glowing appearance each time, he approached her with a gentle smile and exchanged greetings, and engaged in conversations around a multitude of topics. He was intrigued by how she gracefully traversed the skies. With each moment spent together, Giorno’s feelings had intensified for Bria and in an effort to woo her, he had started to make offerings of various gifts with each of his visits to her- a shawl made from the fleece of the golden sheep (harvested himself), a pearl he had fought the ferocious Cetus to obtain, and even a gilded winged helm that he had won from Bruno in a contest to see who could subdue Cerberus the fastest. However, Bria had remained immune to his advances, she couldn’t fathom what he would have wanted with a demigoddess like her and touted the reason for his interest was his natural kindness and benevolent nature. Her ignorance had frustrated Giorno. To try and remedy his situation, Giorno had turned to his pair of confidants, intent on trying to find new ways to woo the one who held his heart. 

“I swear!” he declared, pacing up and down, “she’s either as pure as the driven snow or just dense! I’m running out of options… How did he win you over Aria? What is it that I'm doing wrong?” 

“You aren’t doing anything wrong… not entirely… it’s just, have you asked her about the things that she likes? I know you mean well and your gifts are very thoughtful and extravagant, but she isn’t the type to be swayed by objects, regardless of how priceless they may be… all she really wants is to be loved and accepted for who she is.” explained Aria. 

“I love her already, she just can’t take the hint like a normal goddess…”

“That’s because she isn’t one,” 

“Goddess, demigoddess, what does it matter? I love her and given the chance, I know she would love me too,” Aria empathised with Giorno and advised him as best as she could, and it sparked a new idea. Deciding his next gestures should be steeped in sentiment instead of his grand displays, he had taken his golden lyre with him, intent on serenading her praises with his beautiful voice, what he had found though was unexpected, but had made him understand Bria’s fears entirely. 

He hadn’t meant to eavesdrop, but once he had heard Bria’s emotion-laden voice, he found it impossible to tear himself away. 

“Why won’t you acknowledge his gestures if you feel as strongly as you do? You must know of his feelings for you by now?” 

“I think you’re reading too much into it, he’s just kind… There's no other plausible reason. I’ll get over my feelings in time…” Bria’s voice trailed off as she spoke while walking with Ari through the enchanted forest. 

“I think you’re not taking his gestures seriously enough, and you wouldn’t have to get over anything if you just acknowledged it and gave him a chance…” 

“You’ve seen the kinds of attention he attracts, the calibre of deities that respect him… each time I get close to allowing myself to believe in his gestures, I’m reminded of my place… I … he needs someone who’s worthy…” it hurt Bria to say so, but it was something that she firmly believed. Looking at the sad expression on Aria’s face, she changed the topic before the conversation continued any further, what she didn’t notice though, was a dejected Giorno leaving the forest. He had realised that he had approached his beloved in the wrong manner from the beginning and was intent on remedying his actions to gain her favour. 

That evening after completing her tasks, she had taken the usual path back to her abode, and upon entry had seen that Ignacio and her father were meeting once again. Extending a polite greeting, she had made herself scarce, not particularly partial to either of their imposing natures. 

“We won’t succeed without the timelord…” added Ignacio, intent on bringing in Diavolo to spearhead their campaign, allowing them to ensure victory without expending too much effort. Bria listened quietly, being as still as possible to avoid detection while the two men had strategized the world's demise. An eternal eclipse - her father’s power paired with Diavolo’s ability to manipulate time meant that the sun would always be obscured by the moon, preventing the light from reaching earth and eventually all life would perish. Suddenly, everything had made sense- Ignacio’s frequent visits, her father’s constant brooding and mapping of the constellations, increasing his military powers exponentially… conditions needed to be perfect to execute his plan. She was startled out of her thoughts by the heavy footsteps of her father’s followers behind her and flew off to escape detection. She had to find out more information before she could try to stop him. In the days that followed, she was distant and preoccupied. Giorno had noticed this and wanted to find out what had been plaguing her. 

“What’s the matter? You seem so distracted…” asked Giorno tentatively. He had been extra careful in the days that followed after learning her reason for resisting his advances. The changes hadn’t gone unnoticed, but with Bria being as absorbed with trying to find ways to thwart her father’s plans, she hadn’t thought about the situation between herself and Giorno. Seeing that she hadn't really heard his question, he gently grasped her arm and called out to her. 

"Sorry, I didn't quite catch that…" 

"I asked what was wrong, you were so far away…"

"Oh… I'm sorry, I've a lot on my mind… I'll be more attentive though, forgive me," said Bria apologetically. Unsatisfied with her response, Giorno sat her down on a comfortable spot and asked her to tell him what was on her mind. At first Bria hesitated, not wanting to burden him with her problems, but the earnest way in which he held her hand had made her feel comfortable enough to confide in him. She told him everything about her father’s plans, him involving Ignacio and Diavolo, and her fears for the future. She was adamant at stopping him but was quickly running out of time and her attempts at speaking to Mahin had not yielded the results that she had needed. In an effort to thwart his plans though, she had been chipping away and immobilising his resources, anything to delay his assault until she could figure out what to do. 

“Let me help you! And I know others that will be willing to help you too. You don’t have to shoulder this on your own,” 

“I’ve been working with Niccolo, he’s intent on stopping his father, Elio said he’d help as well… I didn't want to bother more people than needed…” Giorno sighed at her response, his jaw slightly squared off at the mention of Niccolo. He hadn’t crossed paths with the future solar ruler that many times, and for the most part, their exchanges had been cordial, so he couldn't understand why he had felt annoyed. 

“Bria, I’ll help you through this, we can’t allow the people to perish… they are highly favoured, to be watched over by you… I only hope they will realise who is actually responsible for saving them from their demise…” 

“We actually need to save them first…” answered Bria with a sheepish smile. 

And thus began the most important campaign they had ever undertaken. Giorno had approached Bruno and Aria first, convinced that they would want to lend their aid. One of Bruno’s tasks was to maintain and restore balance to the realms and his task of ruling over the underworld had allowed him to see the devastation that wrathful events such as this could unleash. Sitting with Aria and Bruno, it was the first time Giorno had seen Bruno in that state, to have called him furious would have been an understatement. Bruno’s eyes had taken on a fiery glare, his determination to foil these plans became palpable upon seeing how hearing about it had affected Aria. While Giorno had coordinated efforts with Bruno and Aria, Bria had been planning their collective strike with Niccolo and Elio. 

The trio had to be very careful with their meetings and found the best way to avoid being caught was to coordinate themselves with their fathers’ meetings. The amount of time that Niccolo spent with Bria was a concern for Ignacio, but that "problem" was an issue for another day. While Mahin and his war council had commenced with their planning, Bria and Giorno had brought their groups together in the underworld. 

Niccolo and Elio had both felt out of their depths the further they had descended and appreciated the soft glow of Bria's eyes and skin markings, to illuminate the otherwise darkened path. 

"Do you come here often?" asked Niccolo, as he watched her with an intense gaze. 

“Somewhat… I sometimes come here to visit Aria, and I've become somewhat of a go between for my father and Bruno, we're almost here. Don't be scared of Cerberus, he reacts poorly to fear, okay?" Suggested Bria as the boatman took them safely across the river Styx. She had entered the palatial dwelling first calling out to Aria and Bruno, but was met by Giorno instead. Bruno had had everything laid out to allow them to have a bird’s eye view of the area they would be engaging in combat on. While their numbers weren't as great as Mahin's army, they had a dedicated band of young deities who were all willing to fight to protect humanity. Niccolo's demeanour had changed as he had advised of the weaknesses in his father's assault. It was a risky position to be in, however he, and to a lesser extent, Elio had been serving as double agents to gain as much information about how his father fitted into Mahin's maniacal scheme. Niccolo's suspicious behaviour had only further strained the fractured relationship between him and his father. Ever since he was a child, Niccolo had been the first person to bear the brunt of his father’s harsh expectations. He was well aware of the implications- his failure would guarantee his death, but there was too much at stake, and so failure was not an option he entertained. The positive of being the elder son was that Ignacio had seen Niccolo as a confidant. Much of his planning had passed through Niccolo as well so he had gone into great detail regarding the actions that would be most effective in thwarting his father’s plans. What he hadn’t accounted for, was Diavolo’s ability to see into the future. While he strategized with the band of young gods, his father and Mahin caught glimpses of his betrayal through Diavolo’s ability. Ignacio was furious, his usually radiant form had taken on a crimson tinge as a result of his rage. Mahin on the other hand felt disappointed that Bria would have resorted to such means all in the effort to thwart his plans especially with how it would have eased her burden. 

“It seems our children have betrayed us…” Mahin’s voice was a whisper as he contemplated the best way to handle the situation. Diavolo and Ignacio however had been very vocal and animated about how to deal with the traitors.

“Wait…” cautioned Diavolo as he had manifested another prediction with a conflicting result. 

By the time both sides had completed their meetings, it was almost time for daybreak. Giorno, Niccolo and Bria had left with a solid plan in place. There was an awkward silence as the trio had ascended back to their home, until Niccolo was hit with a wave of unease prompting him to bid the pair farewell and rushed home. Giorno and Bria exchanged a worried look, but continued to walk in silence. The more time they spent together, the closer they became, and Bria had found herself feeling more comfortable with Giorno with each passing day. 

It was as Niccolo had feared, he found his father with Diavolo, both emanating menacing auras. He was accustomed to his father’s temper but dealing with the time lord had thrown him for a loop. Talking in circles, it was clear they were suspicious of him and were toying with him to get more information. By the time Diavolo had left, Ignacio’s rage had turned into disdain as he critically looked at his son with a scornful gaze. 

“Where were you?” 

“Out… with Elio,” 

“He came back an hour ago, who were you with in the time it had taken you to drag yourself here?” 

“With Bria.” Niccolo's voice sounded nonchalant, but his eyes had told a different story. 

“You need to stop spending as much time as you do with that creature, you’ll have to pick a suitor at some point and having these entanglements will only hinder you,” Ignacio had shifted his gaze and didn't see the glare aimed in his direction. 

"I thought Mahin was your most trusted associate, how can you speak about his daughter like that? And even more so, you have her do tasks that are actually your own responsibility… so she's good enough to do your grunt work, but not so to speak to your son?" 

Elio had been witnessing the conversation and decided to intervene before Niccolo’s temper had gotten him into a situation he couldn't get out of. 

“Niccolo, I need to talk to you please,” interjected Elio. 

“I’m in the middle of-”

“We’re done here…” with a sense of finality in his voice, Ignacio had dismissed his son. Niccolo made eye contact with Elio who had gestured towards him and followed his brother to a secluded part of the mansion. 

"What is it, Elio?" 

“Okay, okay, don’t snap, you need to keep your wits about you or you’re going to ruin this for everyone. Now listen to me… I may have a way to guarantee our victory, but you have to act quickly,” Niccolo listened intently and gestured for Elio to continue.

“Well, I was fooling around with one of the fire sprites and she mentioned something-”

“Why must all your stories start that way?”

“Maybe it would inspire you? And… I like to brag… anyway, she mentioned something about the blacksmith that forges weapons at Mount Vesuvius… his gatekeeper is a wish-granting sprite who will forge you a weapon that would that would guarantee us victory,” Eyes widening, Niccolo had rushed off to his chariot in order get to the mountain before it was too late. Before long, Niccolo had arrived at his destination and had searched for the sprite, who had been watching him ascend the mountain. He had spent a fair amount of time looking around before the beautiful woman had revealed herself to him. She had burnished, bronze skin and emanated a golden glow, complimenting the scarlet hue of her hair and eyes. She addressed him in a gentle voice which had put his mind at ease.

“What is it that you seek? Tell me what brought you here,” she inquired, her eyes never leaving his form for a moment.

“I’m about to embark on a battle… one that would risk not just my own life but the one I love as well, I come in search of a boon that would direct fortune’s favour towards my will.”

“What makes you think yourself worthy of such a blessing? Surely your opposition would feel the same about their own position,” Niccolo contemplated for a moment before offering an answer.

“You’re right, my motives are steeped in self-interest, and anyone looking in from outside would feel that I’m the villain… but none of that matters… my father has been mistreating humanity since the dawn of time, he took it too far by slighting the one I love… he must be stopped before he ruins everything,”

“You goal is a noble one, but I see a darkness that resides within you that you need to guard yourself against before it consumes you… I’ll grant your wish. Fire this arrow at the battle, it will choose the most deserving wielder and grant them immeasurable power,” the spirit reached into the lava and pulled out an ornate arrow and handed it to the young god. Where he had once wavered, Niccolo was now determined.

While Niccolo had mulled over everything that was told to him while on his way to Bria, the young demigoddess had been meandering about the enchanted forest with Giorno, taking advantage of the favour that had been granted to them by Faust who had extended the sleep cycle of all of earth’s beings so they would be completely unaware of the unrest that surrounded them.

“Giorno… if you want to turn back you can… there’s no reason for you to risk that much just for me… Niccolo, Elio and I will handle it… well we can try… your friends are risking so much as well-”

“Bri, before you continue, I’d like to share something with you…” Giorno had gestured for Bria to sit opposite him. She quietly sat, encouraging him with her gestures.

“You and I… we aren’t that different really… my mother is also a celestial, but I didn’t spend much time with her…”

“I’m sorry, I didn’t know, you must miss her… I- “

“That’s not what I’m saying, Bria, you flit around as if people are doing you a favour by letting you be around them, but you don’t recognise how important you are to everyone and it needs to stop”, she looked away, searching for a way to cool her rapidly warming cheeks. Gently grasping her face, he turned her to meet his gaze, transfixed by her doe-eyed stare, he felt himself drawing closer to her, close enough for their breaths to intermingle.

“Am I interrupting something?” Niccolo’s voice had resembled his father’s more closely than he had liked to admit, but glossed over that in an attempt to disrupt the moment that Bria and Giorno were about to share.

“Niccolo… no, you’re not… is something the matter? You don’t look yourself… did something happen with your father?” asked the young demigoddess, concern evident in her voice.

“Yes, but that’s not important right now, we have to leave now, your father’s army have gathered in the citadel, the time for restraint has passed, this is all out war… Giorno, alert your allies- “

“Wait, who decided that you’re leading this assault?” asked Giorno in an equally sharp tone

“Oh please, I’ve been training my entire life for this, if you get in my way, I’ll get rid of you too!”

“Please, don’t fight each other, we’re on the same side here, I’ll inform our allies I’m the fastest,” worried about the tension, Bria had left the brooding pair to their own devices while she had summoned everyone else.

Perturbed by the scene unfolding beneath her, she hastily found her way back to Giorno and Niccolo who had been steadily carving a way towards the triad of deities by force and willpower alone. Mahin’s army made up for what it lacked in power by the sheer volume of soldiers. Being severely outnumbered hadn’t seemed to faze neither Giorno nor Niccolo, who had only gained momentum as their allies had started to make their appearance.

“Niccolo, don’t tell me these creatures are getting the better of you already?” jested Elio. Unamused, Niccolo had rained down an uncharacteristically violent arrow assault taking out at least ten men with ease.

“Does that answer your question?”

“Niccolo, I didn’t…”

“I don’t have time for this foolishness -”

Bria had witnessed the altercation and had come down to placate Elio, asking him to have a bit more patience with his brother who, it seemed, was taking an immense amount of strain from his end goal. The band of young deities had been fighting their way through, all under the scornful gazes of the three greater gods. The battle had reached its boiling point. The opposing army was whittled down to just a few strong soldiers and the titan trio themselves. Mahin looked over the battlefield with a regretful expression, but shook off the feeling when Diavolo and Ignacio had signalled that it was their time to move. By this time, Bria, Niccolo and Elio had split from the rest of their group- all three had kept a keen eye on Giorno, who had been leading an assault with the aid of Bruno and Aria.

“They’ve finally made their move… are you all ready?” her exhaustion was evident in her voice, but Bria was as determined as the others to see the task at hand through. The brothers nodded in response, feeling that the deciding moment had come, Niccolo had reached for the enchanted arrow with a steely resolve. He had hoped that his plan would play out just as the celestial had advised him, however, he was plagued by an uneasy feeling that he couldn’t quite explain, nor did he have the time to dwell upon.

On the opposing side, Diavolo and Ignacio had been musing on the formers last premonition, finding reassurance in the events he had seen, they had decided to make their move and orchestrate a brutal end to the bloody battle. Ignacio watched his sons with the cruellest of gazes, imagining the kinds of retribution he would seek for their betrayal.

“Let us end this now, you wretched children have caused enough unrest, polluting our ideals-”

“Baseless, faithless ideals that need reform, I have had it with you, for eons I’ve taken this abuse, but no more, you’re dead to me… and soon you will actually be dead,” Niccolo had interrupted his father, flanked by Bria and Elio, both intent on protecting the future heir as much as they could.

“I’ll let you deal with your failed attempts at procreation, it is eradicating Giorno that I’m concerned with,” announced Diavolo as his focus narrowed in on the young deity. Diavolo had his shortcomings but his battle acumen was not one of them.  Of everyone there, Giorno had posed the biggest threat to him, eliminating him would have guaranteed his success.

Giorno had been fighting through the masses, showing another side to his personality, one that was unrelenting. His sole purpose was to protect Bri and the mortals that she had risked her life for, and it annoyed him that she was so far away. 

"Giorno, snap out of it! This is not the time," cautioned Aria, slaying the soldier that was about to attack Giorno in one motion. It was Giorno’s turn to save her when he blocked an attack from Diavolo with his golden sceptre.

“Finally,”

“I wouldn’t be so cocky, you’re about to keel over, know your place,”

“This? I’m only getting started,” declared Giorno with a bloodied smile before they had clashed. Elio and Bria had been tasked with subduing Mahin and Ignacio long enough for Niccolo to act.

“How do you want to do this? We should help Giorno, Diavolo is being relentless-" Bria was concerned for Giorno watching how the time lord had gone straight for him without a second thought.

"He'll be fine, stay close, the tide is about to change," Bria had begun to ask what his intentions were when she had seen him take his firing stance, towering over her, with his golden eyes trained on Diavolo. It felt as if time had been moving in slow motion as Niccolo shot the arrow at Giorno instead of Diavolo, managing to get a clear shot straight through his chest. The shock of watching her love slain had rooted Bria to her spot for a moment before she tried to dart to his aid only to be restrained by Niccolo. Her despair knew no bounds as she tried to free herself but was overpowered.

“Niccolo, how could you?! Unhand me, I need to go to him!” watching Giorno in that condition had given him a split second of doubt but he had regained his resolve when he noticed the golden glow that began to engulf him. Tears clouded her vision as she saw the crimson liquid Giorno coughed into his hand.

"I can't believe I ever… you're just like your father, a monster just like him…" her words and the fractured quality of her voice had broken his heart, but that would have to wait as the arena had quieted with Niccolo's actions, everyone present in awe of what was happening to Giorno.

Ignacio and Mahin had known that this was the end. It had been playing out just as Diavolo’s premonition had played out, Niccolo had played his part and betrayed these young crusaders… that is where his vision had ended, however, a reality they were not prepared for was Diavolo’s defeat. Giorno had managed to get back on his feet, and the golden glow that he had been emanating had seemed to materialise into a tangible humanoid being with glowing pink eyes and a crown-like head. It had acted in tandem with Giorno and had taken out Diavolo with a few well-placed hits… it had suddenly made sense to the elder deities- the reason that Diavolo’s vision had ended where it had was because of his own defeat.

Observing their surroundings, Mahin had planted his sword in the ground indicating his surrender and was quickly apprehended by Elio while Ignacio had attempted to attack Niccolo. His attempt would prove too slow for Bria's reaction as she had used her wings to shield Niccolo from the blow.

"Stand down Bri, this isn't your fight," Niccolo's aim was trained on his father this time, and his shot hadn't faltered. With a blinding explosion Ignacio’s physical form had ceased to exist, his energy however had found its home in Niccolo, effectively making him the new solar deity.

Giorno had instinctually rushed to Bria's side in the hopes of protecting her, however Niccolo's transformation was complete. Despite his radiant appearance his eyes were dark and his demeanor had changed, leaving his brother concerned over what his next actions would be.

Giorno had remained at Bria's side, and dismissed the golden manifestation of his fighting spirit, allowing the arrow to fall into Bria’s hands. Looking at the ornate arrow, she lifted her gaze to meet Niccolo’s, regretting everything that she had said to him.

"Niccolo… this belongs to you…" she said turning her attention towards him, "I'm so sorry, I wish I could take everything back… I-"

"You should keep that, it comes from the same place as your mother…" his voice had taken on softer tone, cupping her face, he continued, "as injured as I am now, what you said earlier hurt me the most… but I could never hold a grudge against you…" Giorno had attempted to interject but was stopped by Bruno who could see the danger in provoking Niccolo as he was in his current state. With a scowl directed at Giorno, the solar deity had left with his younger brother, instructing Faust to return humanity to its wakeful state once more. Giorno had made sure that Mahin was sent away, banished from his current tasks, which now fell to Bria.

A week after the conflict everyone had gone back to their rightful roles- Niccolo was ruling the skies as a benevolent solar god, Bria served as the guardian of the night, Bruno and Aria ruled the underworld and Giorno had traversed the skies aiding his faithful subjects… peace had returned to the pantheon and earth’s denizens had flourished for it. Bruno had seen the attention that the mystical arrow had attracted and on his advice, Bria had ground it into dust and scattered it about the celestial bodies, believing that it would be safer that way, it would be eons before the particles would attract each other and fall to the earth as a meteorite. With Niccolo reclaiming control of the duties Bria once performed, the demigoddess had more time to dedicate to her adventures with Giorno and the pair had found themselves completely enamoured with one another. As with most young lovers, their attention only knew each other, however, their actions were constantly being monitored by Niccolo.

“You must end this fixation you have developed on her, it’s a lost cause…”

"Yes. About that. I want you to investigate this man. He has been rumored to have a link to the disappearances of female Italian citizens for the past ten years. He has also recently opened another business in an island not far from here. Coincidentally, a week before he opened his new business, a group of prostitutes from Naples all disappeared in one night. They are yet to be found."

"There is nothing in this world that I and my group could not uncover. With our skills, no secrets would be left unearthed. However, this man,... he is a Capo. One of Diavolo's first and steadfast supporters. He has his hooks deep within Passione, and he has yet to bare his fangs despite his former ally's demise. But seeing this is a direct order, I would dare not question you."

"Good."

"This Capo. This person who is linked to the disappearances. Who is he?"

"His name,... is Inganno. Sarastro Inganno. He may or may not be connected to Stand Users, and we also don't know if he is one, himself. So, be prepared. I trust in you and your team."

"You've seen him and what he hides! He may be another filth of Passione but, he isn't the man you are looking for!"

"I know what I saw. And I know what he is capable of."

"So, what do you say, huh, partner?"

A few hours earlier,...

And this piqued Risotto Nero's interest,...

For the first time in Risotto Nero's life, he felt so lost, and yet so uncomfortable at the same time. From the moment he entered the massive commercial building, he felt so many eyes trained on him. Like he has become the center of everyone's attention.

The Capo has become so used of hiding in the shadows, that people barely knew he existed. However, this mission that was given to him,... it required him to come out of his hiding place to drag someone out from the shadows.

From the very void he used to dwell at.

And for what price?

His own life? A second chance at it?

Please.

"I think the receptionist has a crush on you." Whispered Melone with a wink and a smirk, and it wasn't helping with the situation at all.

Ignoring the smaller man, Risotto whispered, ignoring the enamored looks that were being thrown at him from every direction, "Formaggio, are you ready?"

"Always, boss." Came the man's diminutive answer, as he has been hanging out in the Capo's pocket for quite some time now.

"Whenever you're ready."

"On it."

Risotto felt Formaggio jump out from his pocket. And with it, the mission began.

Finally entering the elevator that directly led to the offices, Risotto gave one last look at Formaggio, who was already making his way towards the casino, expecting the man to get the results he needed. And he assumed that the rest of his team, who was on stand by outside the intimidating building, expected the same of him.

What he found at the office of the CEO a few moments later did not shock him. Hell, it did not even make an eyebrow rise.

It was,... it looked,... so ordinary. As expected of a plain and normal Italian businessman.

However, this only led Risotto to suspect the man even more.

Bowing before the elder Capo, the white - haired man began. "I deeply express my gratitude for having us in your presence, Mr. Inganno."

Sarastro Inganno, an unusually attractive man in his early fifties, smiled and nodded at them.

"Likewise, Mr. Nero!" Boomed the businessman's deep voice. "But, I must say the Procida sunlight really does wonders for your pale skin!"

Clearing his throat, feeling awkward at receiving such compliment, or any type of compliment for that matter, the Capo answered him. "And yours, as well, if you don't mind me saying."

"Oh, hush! It's not the sunlight! I pretty much consider myself a recluse these days. Like a vampire! Ah, anyway, how can I help a fellow Passione Capo?"

His sharp red eyes darting from the curious little trinkets on his table to the gold Passione ring on his finger that bore the insignia of the former boss, Risotto carefully chose his words, not intending to beat around the bushes. "I was sent by the Boss. And I would like to ask some questions, if I may be so blunt."

At the word, Boss, the smile on Sarastro's face was instantly eradicated, as if his sunny world was suddenly invaded by storm clouds. Linking his long, bony fingers together, the older Capo raised a question of his own. "It depends on the question, Mr. Nero. But, by all means, go ahead."

Noticing the look of anxiety and worry on Melone's face, the younger Capo went on. "Have you noticed any strange activity within this area lately, Mr. Inganno?"

"Strange activity, you say?" Raising an eyebrow, Sarastro took one of the trinkets, a metal bobby pin, from his table and pointed it at Risotto. "The only strange activity I noticed here,... is,... " The man leaned forward, not letting Risotto and Melone out of his sight. Then, he,... laughed. Just like that, he laughed, and he's clearly not taking the question seriously. It annoyed the white - haired Capo, and Melone, who instantly became speechless the moment he saw the business tycoon, sensed this. " ... my skyrocketing wealth! Haha!"

"Then, there is no reason for us to prolong our visit." Risotto cut him off, his words as sharp as a blade. "Do forgive us for our impertinence, Mr. Inganno. We will be leaving promptly - "

"Wait!" Sarastro stopped laughing and held out a single hand, the one that still held the bobby pin. "I wanted to share something with you before you leave."

"R - riso - tto,... " A weakened voice brought the Capo back to his awful reality. He opened his eyes just in time to see Formaggio, in his shrunk state, crawling towards him, leaving behind a trail of blood and guts. A metal bobby pin was sticking into his chest like a sword. "H - he g - got me. I c - couldn't fulfill my m - mission,... "

***

The screams coming from all over the place brought the Capo back to his senses, and all at once, things had become so difficult for him and his men to deal with.

Not knowing the consequences, he took a few steps towards the Queen, only for more people to fall like dead leaves right in front of her.

"Is that her Stand?" Melone, who was astutely studying the Queen's movements, questioned.

"It appears so."

"Huh? What do you mean?!"

One look at the girl and he knew. Something really bizarre was going on, and it seemed as though something, or someone, provoked the Stand from attacking.

And this Stand,... this waif,... was interfering with his mission.

She and the Stand must be stopped, at all cost.

"She's not in control." Risotto plainly declared as more and more people began panicking.

"Come again?!"

"Something else is in play here." Preparing for the worse, the man walked ever so closer towards the Stand's range, seeing more and more festival goers collapse right before him. "Melone, call everyone and get these people away from here."

"Easy for you to say!" Melone fired back as people began pushing others just to escape the sudden mania.

"Do it now!" Risotto howled his order just as a parade dancer collapsed right on his feet.

"Don't hurt me,... please,... " The man pleaded as he clutched the Capo's leg. "M - mother,... "

Mother? What in the - ?

"Risotto, look out!" He heard Melone's voice. He turned around just in time to avoid a car speeding uncontrollably towards him. He was able to carry the man to safety, however, what he failed to notice was the person standing just a few feet behind him.

The Capo witnessed everything, his eyes wide with disbelief. He saw how the car ran over Melone. Blood and guts splattered everywhere, and Risotto could do nothing but stare at the gruesome scene. His eyesight darting to his team mate's almost severed head, his mind tried its best to tell him that he was only seeing things. That it wasn't Melone who just took the blow instead of him. However, seeing the blood - stained purple hair on the ground made his heart twitch in unmeasurable pain.

Melone was gone. Just like that. And he couldn't save him.

"What are you still doing here?! Have you gone mental?!" Shrieked a familiar voice that seemed to come out of nowhere. Turning around, he saw none other than Ghiaccio, in his White Album suit, trying his very best to carry people out of harm's way. "Get out of here! It's too dangerous!"

He wanted so much to run, to escape this horror but, somehow, his legs refused to cooperate with him. He was overcome with doubt so strong, he was actually beginning to feel fear.

Fear,...

"FOR CRYIN' OUT LOUD! CAN'T YOU SEE I'M TRYING TO SAVE YOU, WOMAN?!" Ghiaccio yelled at the screaming lady he was carrying. Apparently, she was pointing at something right behind him. "YOU'RE SO ANNOYING! WHAT ARE YOU SCREECHING ABOUT - ?!"

Risotto Nero wanted so much to scream. To tell Ghiaccio to move, to run away. And again, he was too late. Just as the white - clad man turned around, a set of thick wires that were cut from an electric post came tumbling right on top of him, frying him and the woman alive. The Capo freed himself from the helpless man who was clutching his leg and ran as fast as he could to where Ghiaccio was.

But, he was too late,...

Melone, and now, Ghiaccio,...

What is,... ?

"FRATELLO! FRATELLO, ANSWER ME!" All of a sudden, Risotto heard Pesci's cries not far from where he was. He turned around and saw the man crouched on the ground, a mutilated body in his arms. The Capo had a hard time identifying the body but, the black suit was unmistakable. It was none other than Prosciutto, stuck in his old form, several pieces of glass stuck deep in his face. "I can't - I CAN'T TAKE THIS ANYMORE!"

Risotto's stomach turned when he realized what Pesci was trying to do. A savage roar ripped out from his throat, telling the man to stop what he was doing, however, once again, he was too late. He turned around and closed his eyes shut, his heart twisting in pain, just as he heard Pesci's bones break the moment he wrapped the line of his Beach Boy around his neck.

"Formaggio, it's okay. Go back to your true form,... "

"I'm s - sorry,... " And with those last words, Formaggio fell.

How? How was he unable to save everyone? Melone, Ghiaccio, Pesci, Prosciutto, and now Formaggio,...

Where was his strength when he needed it the most? Where was his courage when his team needed to be saved?

He couldn't do anything. He was useless,...

He might as well die,...

He was about to use his Stand to end his pain, when a strangely alluring scent suddenly assaulted his nostrils. It was so powerful, and yet so gentle, and when he desperately sniffed more of it, as if his entire body was being pulled by it, something truly shocking has revealed itself right before his very own eyes. Everything around him, the vehicles, the buildings, the people, the abandoned booths and floats, the dead bodies, his dead team mates,...

... they all vanished.

Risotto barely had enough time to react as he heard the other Capo's voice breaking the silence, followed by a fist that connected to his face, throwing him away.

The blue sky was suddenly eaten by darkness so frightening and intimidating, that Risotto couldn't believe he was still seeing reality. The scent vanished, and all at once, the gruesome images went back. But, this time, they looked distorted, and even more frightening. And they were playing over and over again like a horror movie stuck in an endless loop.

It was like waking up from a nightmare but, instead of waking up, he found himself stuck on another, more frightening one.

An endless nightmare,...

Wait,...

"Nightmare,... " Risotto murmured as he witnessed the death of his team mates over and over again, playing like a broken record in front him.

That strange scent,... it momentarily brought him out of the nightmare loop. Then, it was gone. However, on those fleeting moments, he has figured out the secret of his enemy. Or at least part of it.

Everything he saw, it was just an awfully realistic illusion made by the enemy to instill fear and hopelessness in him. It was even enough for him to consider taking his own life.

And he knew what he must do in order to escape this living hell.

"Metallica!"

Risotto Nero raised his hand and did the unthinkable. He used his Stand to create numerous blades with his own blood, inflicting so much pain in his right arm that it ripped the nightmare right in front of him and finally brought him back.

That's it! Pain was the answer! And damn, it hurt like hell,...

"Ghiaccio, what took you so long?!" He heard Melone's frantic voice on the other side of the street. He turned around and saw him and Ghiaccio working together to rescue the innocent citizens from the menace of the Queen.

"STOP COMPLAINING AND JUST DO YOUR FUCKING JOB, GODDAMNIT!" The bespectacled man in his white suit yelled as he carried three children all at once.

"Where are the others?!"

"Pesci, Prosciutto, and Illusio are on their way! Formaggio is still in that stupid - looking building!"

"Alright! Let's do this!"

"STOP ORDERING ME AROUND! YOU'RE NOT MY FUCKING BOSS!"

With a simple sigh of relief escaping his lips, Risotto turned around,...

... only to see the Queen, now standing mere inches from him, staring directly into his eyes. She took a deep breath and let out an aria so spine - tingling, he lost his concentration. The first few notes of her aria brought him back to the same nightmare.

Fortunately, Risotto would never be swayed again.

"METALLICA!"

The Capo winced in pain as a fresh batch of blades went through his skin from his other arm, instantly bringing him back. The Queen saw all this and went on howling her death aria like a banshee, plunging the Capo over and over again into the nightmare, only this time, the illusions were becoming so violent.

"ME - TALLICA!"

The roar escaped his lips, once again bringing him back. However, he could feel his head getting lighter. There were now multiple blades sticking out of his limbs, and he was losing too much blood. He must do something to stop the Queen from attacking him, however, he could not inflict direct damage on her, as it would hurt the girl, who was still on the ground not far from where he was. And he still believed that she was not directly in control of this horrifying Stand.

He must save her. He must do everything he can to, at least, subdue the Queen,...

All of a sudden, the dark Stand stopped singing. Risotto then noticed that the strange and yet alluring scent from before, which helped him wake up from that nightmare, went back and now has complete control over the powerful Queen, putting it in a trance – like state. It wafted through the air like a warm and comforting veil being worn over his tired, injured form, and it somehow also helped relieve some of his pain.

"GO TO HER!" He heard an unknown female voice, possibly from the one who released the scent, slicing through the tensed silence and guiding him on what he must do. "NOW!"

Risotto took this one chance, ignored his injuries, and ran towards the girl, who was now shaking in fear and confusion. And as if by wild instinct, he fell on his knees, which hurt like hell due to the blades that were sticking out of it, and grabbed the girl, engulfing her in what he hoped to be a comforting embrace.

"It's alright, you have nothing to fear." He whispered just as the scent was beginning to vanish. "I'm here. I will save you."

He felt a bit awkward and stupid for what he was doing but, miraculously, it did stop the Queen from attacking. The Capo saw how she slowly diminished like smoke until she was finally gone.

The Queen was finally defeated,... at least for now.

"Please, please, please, leave me alone. Please,... " The girl in his arms pleaded as her body trembled with fear.

He rubbed her back, trying to calm her down, and whispered as gently as he could. "She's gone. She's not going to hurt you anymore."

"She's,... she's gone?"

"Yes."

"B - bruno?"

What? Risotto looked down, meeting her wide - eyed silvery gaze, and saw only confusion in them.

This girl,...

She's,...

"Y - you're not B – bruno!" She could only whimper as fear began taking hold of her once more.

"Bruno? You're Bucciarati's - ?"

"STICKY FINGERS!"

***

And these servants,... these prisoners,... they were the ones who were missing! The ones Giorno Giovanna was talking about!

A few hours earlier,...

"Wait!" Sarastro stopped laughing and held out a single hand, the one that still held the bobby pin. "I wanted to share something with you before you leave."

The older Capo stood from his chair and walked towards Risotto, putting a firm hand on his shoulder and guiding him towards the large portrait of the old Passione family tree.

Only it wasn't really a large portrait but a door that concealed an elevator,...

... leading to a dark and secret room where Sarastro's biggest secret was being kept.

Women, and some younger men even, dressed, or undressed, in a particularly provoking way, serving some of the wealthiest Italians in more ways than one. And what's more, these poor servants,... they seemed to be,... enjoying the entire spectacle. Not a worry or fear in their eyes, whatsoever, despite them clearly being held hostage.

It was too fast, the only things that Risotto was able to see were Sarastro's flicking hand, and something fast coming out of it like a metallic blur. His eyes followed that direction and what he found there only solidified his suspicions regarding the man.

Sarastro,… was behind those missing persons case, after all!

"I'm sure there are a lot of questions buzzing around in your mind right now, Mr. Nero. But, picture this," Sarastro said as he led him and Melone towards a separate room where three women, two in nothing but leather straps and one in a seemingly out of place evening gown, waited for them. "You and I working together in this booming business of ours. Money coming in your way. Fame, wealth, power, whatever your heart desired." Sarastro lightly pushed Risotto to the sofa, followed by Melone, whose lap was immediately taken by one of the women. "Everything you yearned for yourself and for your team now only within your grasp. You're just gonna have to grab the opportunity and claim it, as I have.

"All I ask is one thing," The businessman watched and licked his upper lip as the other woman in leather straps made herself comfortable in Risotto's lap. "That you renounce your loyalty to that brat Giorno Giovanna and help me become the new Boss. So, what do you say, huh? You're a powerful man, Mr. Nero. You and I, we can bring Passione to its former glory!"

Risotto Nero could only give the man his cold stare. "And what if I refuse?"

And to this answer, Sarastro only smiled. "Well, then, I'm just gonna have to ask again until you agree with me. You're a wise man, I know you would make the right decision." The man's stare was becoming more and more intense, until something from one corner of the room caught his eye.

He,… did something else. Something other than the abduction of innocent people.

***

Something more,…

"So, what do you say, huh, partner?" Sarastro asked, his deceptively patient eyes gleaming with both amusement and devilry.

That metallic blur that escaped Sarastro's hand? It was that bobby pin he was holding onto.

"No! I mean, hurting you,... killing you,... that's just,... wrong. You're innocent. Bucciarati knows that. Fugo, as well. I do, as well. And I'm sure Narancia only ever acts on instinct. He doesn't mean any harm. But, Abbacchio,... he's too, ah,... straightforward. What I mean is, he follows orders right down to a - " And before he could let slip something that shouldn't be said, he waved a hand and chuckled. "You know what? Don't listen to me. As long as you're with Bucciarati, you'll be fine." He smiled, and seeing the girls emerge from the kitchen, he said, "Have fun with Bucciarati tomorrow, okay?" And with a mischievous little whisper, he added, "And make sure you're safe, okay? You know, with -

"You know what? Don't listen to me. As long as you're with Bucciarati, you'll be fine." He smiled, and seeing the girls emerge from the kitchen, he said, "Have fun with Bucciarati tomorrow, okay?" And with a mischievous little whisper, he added, "And make sure you're safe, okay? You know, with - "

Mista's words still rang as clearly as bells that sunny Saturday morning as Aria prepared for the festival. Looking at the items that Bria and Trish gave her, then at herself at the mirror, she couldn't think of anything else other than what the gunslinger said.

What did he mean by those words?

"What I mean is, he follows orders right down to a - "

Orders. That was the word.

Was Abbacchio, and the entirety of Bruno's team for that matter, given the order to kill her should the Queen run amok?

And speaking of orders given to the team, she could only think of one person who could possibly do that.

Giorno Giovanna.

Closing her eyes shut for a moment, Aria rubbed her cheeks, harshly reminding herself that Giorno would never do such a thing. After all, he and Bria have given her more than enough to start a new life. A new home, a fresh new environment. A place to heal and meditate.

A chance to be with someone who truly cared for her more than anything,...

Just like that, the young pianist mind's playful thoughts automatically drifted to the man who invited her to the little Fête.

Going back to the least mortifying act of dressing and dolling up for the small event, Aria reminded herself of the good things that Bruno Bucciarati has done for her. How he managed to expel the dark thoughts, even the malicious whispers and threats of the Queen, off her wreckage of a mind still remained a mystery to her. With him around, she felt safer. Warmer. Every second she spent with him felt truly precious to her.

He saved her. And that's all that matters.

And now,...

She left her doubts and not so cheerful thoughts for a while, picked up her reticule, and made her way downstairs to the sun room where the grand piano stood. Slowly, her fingers glided against the smooth wooden surface of the instrument, her mind going back to those times she practiced with her parents.

She would never, ever, forget this day.

And somehow, she found it so hard to move on from that painful experience, as well.

But, it was not the time to weep.

Her heart still mourning for that loss, she left the room and made her way outside where the Capo waited.

***

The small Procida music festival, as Aria put it, felt like the actual thing that takes place during summer. Indeed, there were booths, people from different places, street musicians, there even was a wonderful parade. Everything was there, except,...

"You know,... " she began, not taking her eyes off the violinist playing Beethoven's Summer sonata at the other side of the road. "My parents used to bring me to festivals like these. The summer music festival was their favorite."

"I see." The Capo answered, his eyes only ever focused on the female pianist. "It's actually only my second time attending a festival such as this one."

"Oh!" Looking at Bruno, Aria asked, "It's so close to your hometown. I mean - ! If I live close, I'd be going every time. And no one can stop me."

"Haha, I'm sure no one could." The Capo smiled, casually brushing a stray bit of popcorn off her cheek. "So, I assume you've been to all sorts of festivities like these when you were still in Genova."

"You bet. And I got lost on my first time attending one."

"You're kidding."

Aria chuckled a bit nervously, still feeling stupid because of that particular memory. "I wish. It was a really big event. With such colorful floats and all sorts of pleasant sounds coming from all over the place. It was overwhelming. I got so distracted listening to a couple of singers that, suddenly, I wasn't holding mom's hand. Everywhere I look, there were only strange faces around. No mom, no dad. Only tall people in colorful clothes. I felt so,... lonely."

"What happened? How did you find them?"

"I didn't! Someone did, I forgot who - " Her mind going back to that part, she slowly recalled how the scene played out. And remembering every detail of it felt like emerging from a really dark tunnel of crisscrossed and misshapen pictures. "Someone found me! A boy! Only a bit taller than I was. He was with his mom and dad! They led me back to my worried parents!"

"Wait." Bruno interjected. "You're saying,... a boy,... found you,... "

"Yeah." Aria mused as she looked at Bruno's eyes, and suddenly, she was reminded of something else about the boy who found her that day. "Come to think of it, I do remember he has the bluest eyes I have ever seen! So blue, it reminds me of both the sky and the ocean. I just know because I remember pestering my parents about going to the beach afterwards because of it."

"A boy,... with blue eyes?" The Capo repeated with such a mysterious tone, a raised eyebrow, and a grin, as if the whole fiasco about little Aria getting lost in the crowd amused him.

But, Aria herself missed all of these telltale signs, as she was still busy recalling everything that happened that day.

And Bruno? He remembered everything. He remembered every single detail as if it only happened yesterday.

"Do tell me, dear." Began the Capo, a brilliant idea just hatching in his head. "Was it the summer of 19 - ?"

An ugly hiss, almost accompanied with an awful curse that Aria couldn't hear due to all the noise and bustle of the festival, escaped Bruno's lips as he felt his phone vibrating from his pocket. Reluctantly, he took the device, and was surprised to see Guido Mista's name blaring almost bluntly on the screen like a butcher on Judgment Day.

"You must answer it." The girl told him with a simple smile as she licked the caramel flavor off her fingers. Noticing the worried look on the Capo's face, she added, "I'll be fine, Bruno. I promise."

Forcing a quite acceptable smile, he planted a kiss on Aria's forehead, stood up from the bench, and answered the phone. Turning away from her and walking a safe distance from her, he cleared his throat and answered, "Mista, how can I - ?"

"Giorno." That simple word made Bruno's heart escalate to an almost abnormal beat. And it only meant one thing,... "Bucciarati, he is coming! He is coming for Aria."

Blissfully unaware of what's happening, and the potential threat on her own life, Aria watched the street performance with a smile. Bruno had done it once again. She's,... actually smiling. She’s enjoying the festival.

It’s because of him.

If only this moment could last forever,...

"Miss! Miss!"

Aria turned just in time to see a young girl with grease on her face tugging impatiently at the hem of her dress. Suddenly, it reminded her of her pint – sized self when she got lost on that festival, on that summer of 1986.

Oh, hey are you lost?

"Oh, hey." Aria said, remembering those words uttered by that boy with the beautiful ocean blue eyes. "Are you lost?"

"He told me to give this to you!" The girl simply told her, shoving a slightly crumpled piece of paper to her hand.

"O - kay,... " Shaking her head, an amused smile on her face, she slowly unfurled the paper, careful not to rip the slightly damp edges. "So, will you tell me who sent this - ?"

All of a sudden, it seemed as though all the noise has been sucked into the void. All the colors of the surroundings, of the sky, of the colorful floats, of the booths, of the people, vanished, leaving behind a menacing trail that made her blood run cold.

On that note, on that simple, innocent looking letter, the words glared at her, like sunlight burning her irises.

Like furnace melting away the skin of her hands.

I know who killed your parents

Aria looked up from the letter, wanting to face the girl who gave her the accursed piece of paper. However, she was nowhere to be found.

Standing up and looking all over the place, with all the colors and all the noise going back, making her eardrums ring and her eyes sting, she clutched the letter and went looking for the girl.

There! Right there! Aria saw her running towards that corner. She ran after her, bumping against innocent festival goers and almost getting herself hurt. She turned around the corner, and saw nothing. Her eyesight darted towards the other end of the street, and there! She saw her again! This time, she was squeezing herself into the massive crowd of people watching the parade.

"Hey! Wait!" Aria desperately called but, people were just bumping into her, not even caring when they stepped on her feet and shoved her aside. Getting more and more anxious, her stress levels rapidly escalating, she braced herself and went after the girl. She followed that trail, ignoring the complaints of the people she pushed just to get through. And when she finally got through the crowd, she found herself stuck in the middle of it all.

Everywhere she looked, their smiling faces threatened her. They looked fake. They were like masks worn by killers. And their laughter seemed to mock her entire existence. The wild colors and wide variety of hues made her eyes hurt, and the noise made her head hurt so, so much.

Trying to get things under control, she covered her ears and closed her eyes, fervently wishing for everything to go back to normal.

Desperately praying for Bruno to come and save her, and tell her that everything would be fine,...

"I know who killed them. I know."

That voice,...

Amidst all the noise that barged into her throbbing eardrums and head, she heard it.

And it sounded so much like a malicious hiss.

That voice,… she knew that voice.

"I,... know."

"Please,... " Aria begged, feeling her restraint finally breaking. " ... stop."

***

A few moments earlier,...

"Now, let's not rush into things. I know he's suspicious but, listen to me very, very carefully, Ris." Melone reasoned, all the while keeping up with the leader of their small intel squad that Giorno put together in a short span of time.

"I thought I have warned you about calling me by that name." Risotto Nero's sideways glance was enough to make the purple - haired man yield.

"Yes! I mean, Risotto." Melone corrected himself as he nearly avoided an elderly couple enjoying the festival. "You've seen him and what he hides! He may be another filth of Passione but, he isn't the man you are looking for!"

"I know." The tall Capo stopped walking. Facing Melone, he firmly added, "I know what I saw. And I know what he is capable of."

"But, Sarastro is just a dirty old man, Risotto. And I mean it in both ways! He is - "

All of a sudden, a cry of agony pierced their ears. On full alert, the two men followed the sound of the unfolding chaos, and right in the middle of the road, where the parade was currently taking place, they found a girl crouched on the ground, covering her ears, her eyes firmly shut, as if she's keeping something at bay.

Except that it had already broken loose, and took down several parade dancers within the girl's immediate vicinity.

The thing that did exactly that, the thing that the girl seemed so afraid of, stood right before them. A tall, dark woman clad from head to toe in black, her crown of withered thorns and silver adorning her noble head.

And in her wake, the fate of the people of Procida rested at the Queen's mercy.

***

***

I would like to thank @mrsgiovanna for once again allowing me to include her sweet, beautiful Bri 😍😍😍❤❤❤