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nohrenvia · 2 years

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deus et tricae

ー Synopsis: T'was merely a game of cards, played for the old times' sake. But, what are they betting on? What are the stakes? It's surely not money.

ー Characters: Bria Adal (@mrsgiovanna), Aria Pamina Hertz (@theclairedelunemiracle), Angelica Spade

a/n. It's my first time writing a fic for oc's! Therefore, forgive me if there is any inaccuracies in the writing. And also, happy late birthday to our dearest Ari, @theclairedelunemiracle~♡

♤ Nohr ♤

Queen?

No, no, no. That's a king.

Oh dear, why was it so hard to obtain a queen from a stack of cards?

Luck is not on Angelica's side today.

"My, my. You're on a clear streak, Bria. I have lost Lady Luck's favor for today, it seems." Angelica sighed, to her chagrin, another three pair cards ended in the black haired woman's hands, making Bria the winner.

The young Spade's chin rests on the palm of her hand, her eyes peers to the side, "Aria, wouldn't it be better for you to sit on a chair rather than standing still while the game is on?"

Aria only smiled, giggling. Her grey orbs reflects the chandelier's light, "You don't have to worry about me. I'm fine like this. Besides, it prevents both of you from peeking into my cards."

"Me? Cheating? I would never!"

"Lies." Bria grinned, her eyes sharp as ever.

"You don't trust me, Bria?" Angelica faked a pout.

"I wouldn't trust someone who drained 3 casinos dry while working under Polpo."

"Touchè."

The next round, a lot of chips were put into the pot. One chip does not equals money, well, not always... However, the chips were valuable enough because one represents something precious. Whether it would be luxurious goods, information, secrets, favors, all of them are valuable in their own way. One thing Angelica won't bet is life, not since Don Giovanna gave her an ultimatum if she ever wager that sort of thing.

Anways, the previous round was finished. It is time to move onto the last round. The cards were shuffled, courtesy of Aria, the current dealer, then divided into among the women, with a stack of cards on the side of the table.

Next, the Aria "burned" away a card from the stack, laying them bare on the table to start the next game.

"Since you are the birthday girl, Miss Hertz. Why don't you go first?" Angelica tapped her index finger on the table, waiting for the blonde haired woman to bet.

"My birthday was a few days ago, you know that."

"Oh, it doesn't matter, just this once. Pretty please, dear~? Go on! Go first, Ari!"

Without further ado, Aria pondered for a moment before she laid three blue chips in the middle of the table, "Bet. We're betting gold on this round."

"Sounds perfect. The glitter of gold in my room were plenty, but they were a little bit too much..." Bria trailed off, remembering how her room is filled with opulence of gold and silver.

"Courtesy of the Don, yes?" The blonde inquires with a smirk, "Giorno definitely spoiling his wife rotten." She chuckles, teasing the already blushing Bria.

"Q-Quit it!" The donna cleared her throat, the crack in her voice only encouraged Angelica and Aria to add fuel to the fire. But, no, that would be another story, now is not the time.

"Raise. Five gold bars," Bria shoved a stack of red chips, "Your turn, Spade."

Angelica thinks deeply, putting on her best poker face, she really dislikes this. Not because the game isn't fun but because she couldn't use La Vie En Rose to cheat. Her body is itching for a chance to cheat considering it is a habit of hers in casinos, gambling dens, and small gambles alike.

Her experience of gambling has made her believe that in every person, only two entities could stand behind them. God or Tricks.

"Call. 5 gold. I bet off my pure gold bars, ladies. Not the cheap ones." Angelica dropped a stack of black chips, "Damn... Pannacotta would kill me for this."

"Oh nonsense, he wouldn't mind if you bet off a few gold from your vault." Bria scanned over the cards on the table after Aria took another one from the stack and placed it on the table, creating a row.

"He would, though. He is not as patient as Aria's lover after all." Angelica sighed, but it wasn't an insult for Fugo. Strangely, a tint of blush spread through her cheeks when she mentions Fugo isn't a patient man..... how weird.

"Oh, for God's sake. Just forget the chips." Bria exclaimed, "Why don't we bet something without it for the last round?"

Aria stood still, her head drifting in thoughts, "Depends on what we're betting on. Is it fairly valuable?"

Angelica interjects, "Have you both considered favors? The one who lost would have to agree to one favor they cannot refuse."

"Eh? This again? Do you want to be scolded by GioGio?" Bria reminded Angelica of what will happen if she enact the idea.

The blue eyed woman grinned awkwardly, "I'm simply joking, Bria!" Though the idea seems tempting, she knew better than to be punished by the don for distressing his wife.

"Speaking of GioGio. I wonder where that child could be...? Where is Nicole anyways?" The confused Bria throws a question.

"Most likely with Mista. You understand how they go." Angelica tossed an answer, "I hope she is well."

Just the silence won and the room goes quiet. Luckily, Aria knew it is time to act.

"Alright then. We'll settle this over information," Aria gathered the cards and chips, setting aside the latter into a box while she shuffled the cards again, ever the calm and serene woman, "Like usual!" Perhaps, if she smiled, one could compare her to the moon itself.

"Oh? What kind?" Bria asked, arms folded on top of the table.

"Hm... if we went with that, why don't we raise stakes a bit?" Angelica fixed her gaze to the window. The clouds have covered the sun, rendering the sky into a grey and glum state. Mayhaps rain would fall?

"Oh please. Would this proposal of yours be detached from lunacy?" The donna poses doubt onto the woman who's gazing at the window's glass.

"Dearest Donna of Passione, I solemnly swear it won't be a madwoman's scheme." The giggling Angelica waved her hand at the statement, "Have you hear the latest news? Looks like a rival family is looming over us, threatening for a war."

"And... you want us to face them?" Aria narrows her eyes. Bria could feel a drop of sweat running down her temple.

"Well someone has to quell them, one way or another. Giorno asked one of us to eliminate them. I have no wish to participate in it" Angelica's visage were now painted with an emotionless expression, "I am used to gang wars, the boss often sent me to fight. However, I wouldn't want to miss spending time with my dearest Pannacotta."

"I see now... you wish to skip over the skirmish just so you can lounge around in leisure with your lover?" Bria's teeth are gritting under her smile, "How selfish of you, Miss Spade."

The tension rose between the three women. Whoever loses has to do the job. But the important issue right now is Angelica's egotistical suggestion.

"Haha! Once again, I am merely joking!" Angelica burst into laughter, "But, no. I am not. Forgive me to say this, but, that job is a load of bollocks. One team is enough, but the whole family? The work is going to be tedious. Moreover, the Speedwagon Foundation requires my presence. Aunt Julia needs someone to investigate bizarre happenings in New Delhi."

Aria's eyes widens at the Angelica's explanation.

"So, that means--"

"Yes. Whoever loses have to take the job."

"Then, if you lose..." Bria softly uttered.

"Well, I have to do the work. Simple as that."

Now this is a bet to behold.

Whoever lost the match shall participate in a gang war. Logically speaking, the three of them are capable of doing so, but no one would be willing to do it since the work is tedious. Reconnaissance, reports, investigations, all the lot. If they only have to fight then no problem would arise, but this job has to be taken step by step. After all, it is an order from Don Giovanna himself.

One of them has to put their life on the line for this.

"...Very well, then. Fair enough. You have your own reasons, Angelica." Aria gave a reassuring smile, "You've done a lot recently. Whatever happens, the task shall be done."

"Yes, me too. Someone needs to do it for the sake of Passione." Bria nodded in agreement.

"Hm, but I do wonder. Would Giorno sent his own wife for something so brutal like a gang war?" Angelica raised her eyebrow in wonder, her chin leaning to her hand.

"Eh? Oh, right. That is true... but, it's fine. I would even say it'd be better if it was me since I know Giorno won't let me get hurt easily." Bria's amused laughter floats through the room.

"Why so glum, ladies? Come now, let's finish our last round." Bria clapped her hand to lighten the mood. Angelica's downcast eyes are starting to be show her guilt.

"In the end, I am still a selfish human, hm?" She smirked, "No matter. I'm not a good person from the start, after all."

It's all lies. The normally honest Angelica is lying through her lips. However cruel she is, she wouldn't put them in harm's way, she wouldn't prioritise her own safety if her friends, her comrades, are treading through danger. This is all a farce to raise the stakes.

"Cheer up, Miss Spade. You're the one who started this. Now finish it!" Aria challenges.

The last round of the card game ensues. The rules are simple, they are given four cards and two of the cards which are deemed worthless has to be thrown away. Whoever has the highest cards won. The room is once again calm, only the thrill of the gamble remains.

Aria has thrown away two of her cards while Bria hasn't abandoned anything yet. Angelica followed suit and discarded two of her cards after unfolding them.

The three women now checked their cards in various ways, there was disappointment, hope, doubt, determination, and several more mixed into the atmosphere.

This time, no more Gods or Tricks. Only pure chance and luck shall decide the outcome.

Queen?

No, that is a 10 of diamonds.

Oh, why was it so hard to obtain it when she needs it the most?

The second card she unfolded reveals... ah yes. Could it be that Lady Luck has finally smiled upon her? If so, then she is so kind to give Angelica her favorite card.

Ace of Spades.

With this she can win. That thought ran through her head as Angelica smirked in assurance.

What Angelica didn't know was that Aria held the winning cards, a King of Spades and an Ace of Hearts. How embarrassing~♡

Bria knew which cards she would throw away so that she could keep two of her highest cards which are a Queen of Hearts and a Jack of clubs.

As Bria intends to throw away her cards, the sound of footsteps were heard from outside the room.

"Ah. Someone is coming." Bria shfited her gaze toward the door.

The door to the place where the women reside opens dramatically.

"Yes. It seems we have a guest. Angelica followed suit, turning her head as she showed her Ace of Spades to signify her win, meanwhile Aria is serenely standing.

Who is the uninvited guest?

Oh, who could it be?

《 Picture by: 7aizagatha 》

#jjba oc #bria giovanna #angelica spade #aria pamina hertz #aria hertz #OC Bria Adal #OC Aria Pamina Hertz #OC Angelica Spade #jojo's bizarre adventure

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mrsgiovanna · 7 days

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It's been a WHILE since I've done this, but... Yayy it's selfship Sunday. I'm trying to get back into writing and art, but there's so few hours in the day lol. I imagine that's probably how s/i bri feels as well, because she really wants to girlboss her way around the world, but still wants to be Giornos little wife while taking care of her family and it gets a little overwhelming sometimes. Giorno knows her though and makes sure she gets what she needs, whether it's just rest or a change of scenery, he's there for her. Image dump for funsies, happy selfship Sunday 🪽🕊❤️🐞

#BriGio #selfship Sunday #jojo oc #jjba oc #self insert #self indulgent #bria adal #don giovanna #giorno giovanna

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simpingandprocrastinating · 1 year

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SPECIAL EDITION #02 - BRIA ADAL

The second edition of my Vogue Magazine drawings. When I started with these covers, I immediately thought of Bria. @mrsgiovanna made this lovely character so stylish I just couldn't leave her out! She's a real eye-catcher and I love to see her on my dash!

Also click the link to see my previous cover, starring Alexandra and Yanyu from the lovely @ahoge-fish.

<<< #01 @ahoge-fish | #02 @mrsgiovanna | NEXT >>>

#jjba #jojos bizarre adventure #jojo #jojo no kimyou na bouken #jojo's bizarrre adventure #Bria Adal #Mrs Giovanna #Bria Giovanna #Jojo OC

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cinemaspoppycornuwu · 1 year

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[This is for @mrsgiovanna event. Bria, I hope you like it]

[Tag: Giorno x Bria (the year is 2003)]

[Prompt:]

"Are you... Wearing my shirt?"

Bria looked to the side for a moment and said "Yeah...?"

"It looks like a dress on you" he smirked, crossing his arms and gazing at the petite girl. Since his 16 years old, Giorno has been getting slowly closer (physically) to the other Joestar men of the family. Sometimes, when they went to sleep together, Bria wore his shirts.

"And so?"

"Nothing. It just looks so adorable on you." He spoke softly when he went toward her direction

"You know what else is adorable?"

"Oro?"

"Him too." She said as she put her hands around his waist, looking up at him. Being shorty has it's perks "I actually meant those cat ears of yours~"

"Cat ears?" The raven haired girl stood in the point of her feet to gently touch his hair that has a part that resembles like a cat "Oh... Come here, then!" He picked her up, making the young lady yelp for a second until she started bursting out laugh.

Soon, both were on the majestic bed, laughing and Giorno was already attacking Bria's neck with kisses "Giogio, it tickles!"

When Bria met Giorno in his life, she didn't expected to have such a huge importance in the golden boy's life. And both can agree that love is something unexpected. It is slowly built, even though when you see that person for the very first time your heart races, your pupils dilate, cheeks blushing. For Giorno and Bria, it was the best feeling in the world finding someone who was not only their romantic partner but best friends.

Sometimes, they wonder if they had never met in live. What a strange scenario would be for everyone.

"GIOGIO, STOP! AHAHA! I surrender!"

"Ah, yes. The almighty boss caught you~" only she was allowed to see that more playful side of his more often.

"Come on, I am the true boss around here~"

"The boss of mafia? Hmm, kinda far. But boss of my heart? Definetly"

"Come here~" cupping gently his face with her soft hands, pulled him closer to a tender kiss. Her lips tasted like cherry lip balm. But for the leaf green eyed boy, it was only heaven.

"Oi, don?" A voice has broke their mood, turning their heads to the door direction. Mista. All he saw was Giorno on top of Bria and that made the older one smirk "Giorno, you sly horny dog"

"Look who is talking" both answered at the same time.

"I have pedigree" said as he pretended to flip his fake long hair (he was wearing the classic hoodie. Mista's hair is hidden).

"Sure. And no shame on your face on appearing like that" Bria replied

"I'd give these relatory for the two of you but since Bria was such a meanie..."

"Give me that" Giorno got off Bria and grabed Mista's paper, taking a quick analysis, in their bed "Oh. One more job successful. Great job for the squad who did it though."

The gunslinger nodded "By the way, there will be a formal ball requiring your presence, Giorno. Yours as well, Bria. It will be next week."

"Do you know who invited us?" She asked.

"It's in Siccily. The answer is quite obvious."

Giorno sighed, leading his fingers to his forehead "What have I done to recieve that guy in my life...?"

"Don't worry, amore mio. I guess he just wants to deal with you about something important."

"I do hope so, princess... You're dismissed, Mista, thank you."

"And Bria, that tone of pink doesn't look good of you. It looks way bette on me"

"Mista, you have FOUR seconds to run before I throw this pillow on you." She picked up a small pillow just to tease him.

"Why do you have to be like this?" That's all he has said before he left swearing at his unlucky number.

"We will go, Bri. But I don't trust that guy so close to you."

"Aaawn, Gio! I'm all yours and you know that!"

"I know, dolcezza. But what if he tries something you don't want? That's what I fear?"

"If he had tried something with, do you think I'd let it quiet?" She comforted him by gently interwining her fingers through the golden hair "It's alright."

"If you say so..." he pressed a soft kiss on her forehead.

#Giorno Giovanna x Bria Adal #fanfic with friends OC's #Giorno event by mrsgiovanna 2023

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strawberryvanillablast · 1 year

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The Ghosts In The Machine (Giorno Giovanna x Bria Adal)

This is for Giorno Giovanna Month 2023 from @mrsgiovanna!

Prompt: Meet Cute.

To Bruno Bucciarati, Giorno Giovanna was a charismatic young man who held the same ideals as he did. Young and fresh, he would make a great soldato within his team. Of course, there would be the matter of his other team members trusting Giorno, but that would come.

Of course, unknown to Bruno Bucciarati, he was being observed as well. And not just by Giorno Giovanna. Unbeknownst to the two, the mind of Giorno Giovanna was run by two very busy people (three for counting Gold Experience).

"Ugh," A lower-pitched version of Giorno's voice grunted. "Can this go by any slower?"

The owner of this voice looked almost like Giorno, complete with the blonde hair. However, his eyes were red in color along with his entire outfit. Two small devil wings fluttered impatiently while a long-forked tail thrashed about. He rubbed the horns sticking out of his head in a grumpy fashion as he looked out of Giorno's eyes.

"Ah, ah, ah," A higher-pitched version of Giorno's voice chided. "Let us be patient, Devil Giorno."

This version of Giorno was decked out in blue, from his dark-blue hair to his big sparkling eyes to his outfit. Two small angel wings fluttered slowly as his little halo shone a little. He gave a smile as he looked out at the many people dining.

"But for how long will it be before we meet this team? I need action, Angel Giorno, and I want it now!"

Before Angel Giorno could properly answer, the two Giornos jumped as two loud voices screamed at each other. Devil Giorno grinned and pumped his fist in the air while Angel Giorno shook his head, sighing.

"Let me introduce you," Bruno Bucciarati said sternly. "This is Giorno Giovanna."

Giorno's eyes sweeped over the team. Devil Giorno scoffed as he just looked over at Angel Giorno, who was excited at meeting new friends in this team. Suddenly, Giorno's eyes landed on one member of Team Buccellati and the two gasped.

This team member was absolutely beautiful.

Her black hair shone in the fluorescent light while her eyes beautifully sparkled. The sound of her voice was melodious and the smile gently adorning her lips was gracefully elegant. She wore a wonderful outfit that made her seem like a movie star rather than a gangstar.

"Well, well, well," Devil Giorno purred, tail flicking about curiously. "Who's the cutie over there?" He grinned as he leaned over a little. "My, oh, my, hello there, my dear."

"Hang on now," Angel Giorno whispered. "Firstly, we should introduce ourselves to her and the others before we do anything else. We must make a good first impression on them!"

"I'm Giorno Giovanna," The young man introduced, bowing slightly. "It's a pleasure to meet you all."

Bria smiled as Giorno introduced himself politely. He looked like a prince, with his shimmering blonde hair and sparkling green eyes. And he was so polite too, just like a prince right out of a fairytale!

'I wonder what he likes,' Bria thought to herself as Giorno sat down on an empty chair. 'Well, best to introduce myself. Seems only fair!'

"Hi," She gently smiled, outstretching a hand. "I'm Bria. Bria Adal."

"It's nice to meet you." He smiled right back, returning the handshake firmly.

"Want some cake," Bria smiled. "It's strawberry shortcake."

"Thank you." Giorno graciously accepted.

"Agh, come on," Devil Giorno nearly pulled his hair out in frustration. "When can I actually spend time with this cutie? I want to kiss those lips!"

"Mind your manners," Angel Giorno reproached. "This cutie is named Bria and we'd do well to respect her. She's more than just a pretty girl here."

"I'm respecting her," Devil Giorno scoffed. "I'm respecting her beauty, her grace, her elegance."

"Before we can do so, we need to get to know her. What does she like and what does she think of frogs and ladybugs?"

As the duo giggled and pondered on what to talk to Bria about next, they didn't notice their Stand shaking his head with a fond smile. As Gold Experience raised an eyebrow at what Abbacchio was trying to do and signaled the duo about the action, he noticed a glass sphere forming. He walked over to it, curious.

It was a beautiful, pink-tinted glass sphere with Bria's visage inside. The Stand gave another fond smile and shake of the head. Giorno's fallen for the girl slowly, whether he consciously knew it or not. And Gold Experience knew that this crush would blossom into a sweetly wondrous love soon.

#jojo bizarre adventure #jojo kimyou na bouken #jojo no kimyou na bouken #jojo no kimyō na bōken #jjba part 5 #jojo part 5 #vento aureo #golden wind #giorno giovanna #bria adal #giorno month 2023 #giorno giovanna x oc #giorno x oc #jjba x oc #bruno buccellati #bruno bucciarati #leone abbacchio

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thequeenofthenightgentlyweeps · 2 years

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***

"Hey, umm, I wanna say sorry for what happened last time. You know,... " Mista apologized as he scratched the back of his head. "Abbacchio doesn't hate you. You see, he - "

"It's alright, Mista. I understand." Aria smiled and nodded to reassure him. "I understand that other Stand Users would do what you and Abbacchio would have done if they were in your position."

"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.

***