MafiA's Gamble

EIGHTEEN

Yuki flashback

     Yuki laid down on her bed, her thoughts swimming with Ley's explanation, and worry for her friends. It was frustrating to know that she couldn't warn them they were in danger, despite knowing exactly when and how they will be ambushed. Her thoughts lingered on her friends for a moment, and these reminiscent thoughts brought her back to the story on how she ended up joining the MafiA in the first place. She momentarily forgot the predicament that she, that everyone was in and smiled to herself. It wasn't like she ever regretted joining. With that, she took a trip down the memory lane. 

     It was a hot and sunny day at the annual ITC (International Technology Convention), where schools around the world (and its students) would showcase their biggest technological advancements. Yuki being the only one interested, represented her school at this convention, and she began to set up her area while explaining her odd inventions to passersby who stopped to watch. Not a far way behind, Lia and Eleyne were observing the other stands. Eleyne, who really wasn't one to think technology nor gadgets as something particularly of interest, began to complain under the hot sun. "It's so hot." She swiped some sweat from her forehead as she spoke. "Damn, I want ice creaammm!" Lia, who had been hearing the same complaints for a while now, snapped, slight annoyance in her voice as she replied. "Ugh, stop complaining, geez! You're the one who offered to come anyways." Eleyne sighed. "Fineee, but let's take a break. Besides, none of these inventions look that interesting anyways. At least, compared to your inventions. I don't think we're going to find anyone promising enough to help you with tech support." Eleyne promptly sat down in the cool shade of a tree right across Yuki's stand, relieved from the escape of the sun. Lia took one look at Eleyne and sighed as she turned around and headed to Yuki, who was the closest. "I'll go take a look at the stalls in this area, since we didn't get a chance to see these ones. If you're so tired, then you can wait there for me." Eleyne got up hurriedly and chased after Lia. "Nooooo, wait for me! Don't leave me alone in this techy place!!!"

     Although the heat must have played a role, Yuki began sweating as a blonde girl her age came over to observe her inventions intently, quickly followed by another dark haired girl chasing after her friend. Yuki was surprised to see them, considering the fact that not many students would come to such a boring convention of free will, yet they wore no uniforms which meant they weren't forced to come with their school. To her surprise, the blonde girl began to ask several complicated and in-depth questions to which Yuki gladly answered, shocked that someone her age was so interested in the tech field. The other girl who had arrived a little later was also examining her invention the same way the blonde had, a serious expression on her face, as she nodded at her friend's analysis and questions. Yuki shivered. Now that she thought about it, these two girls kinda looked scary, but then again, she found a lot of people scary. After she finished explaining and talking about her invention, Yuki stood back awkwardly and watched as the blonde girl thanked her and exchanged a look with her friend. The blonde nodded, and the friend sighed in pleased relief, turning back to Yuki. "Hey, so we took a look around the other stuff here, and actually, your inventions are so much better than the other ones on display." Yuki stared back, silently pleased they had thought so. The dark haired girl continued. "So.. we would like to propose an offer for you." To this, Yuki cocked her head, waiting for the girl to elaborate. "What if, we told you that you can use all sorts of high tech stuff as much as you please? You will be taken care of, and also have the opportunity to learn more about technology than you can ever imagine." Yuki blinked. "Yeah, that sounds amazing! Are ... you guys a part of some super rich private school or something?" The blonde and the dark haired girl took a glance at each other, before the former answered, "Hmmm, well I guess you could say that." The dark haired girl added to the statement. "Why don't you come with us after the convention, and we can introduce you to the Boss?" The blonde noticed a sliver of unease on Yuki's face, and she quickly corrected herself. "Don't worry, we're not kidnapping you or anything. We're interns from the Mafi Association and we were just scouting for potential IT members." The dark haired girl handed out a business card to Yuki and continued her friend's sentence. "If you're interested, please let us know through that phone number listed at the bottom. We will set up a meeting and introduce you to our Boss the moment you contact us! Oh, by the way, I'm Eleyne, and this," Eleyne pointed to the blonde girl beside her, "is Indelia, but you can just call her Lia." Lia nodded and confirmed Eleyne's statements. "Yeah, let us know if you're interested. There's currently a position available, and if you're worried about the money, don't. They pay you a lot, and it doesn't cost a thing to join." Yuki plastered on a smile and nodded as she watched the girls leave. She looked down at the card she was given and began to ponder. Honestly, she felt kinda uneasy about the whole thing, but it sounded like a great opportunity, so she shrugged off all her doubts and made a mental note to contact them later.

     A few days later, Yuki met up with Eleyne and Lia, who thankfully led her to the large iconic building, with the Ma Finance Association's logo stamped across its side. Reassured that the offer truly was from the Mafi Association, she was glad she took up the offer. Over the next few days, she took several tests that evaluated her abilities, and also met other members of the core circle. As she walked home from the last day of tests, she rethought what Alice, the organizer, or rather, the "Boss" had said to her. Alice had looked at her hesitantly as she said them. "What if I told you we aren't an internship? What if I said there's a hidden meaning in the company name? Will you still agree to join us?" It didn't take too long for Yuki to understand what Alice meant. The company name was always already a much too big hint. She had jokingly questioned the Mafi Association to truly be the Mafia many times before, although everyone knew, or rather, thought that their image was much too clean to be associated with such a word. The people she was associating with for the past three days were definitely a part of the mafia. Probably all high rankers too, from the looks of it. Yuki fiddled her finger around nervously. Who knew what would happen if she were to decline? What if they erased her memories or something? Unsure of what to do, Yuki fell asleep, lost in her thoughts.

     The next morning, Yuki awoke from the previous night's worries and quickly sat up. The old disquietude was replaced with a sense of clarity and determination, and she immediately knew what she was going to do. Who knew when such a golden opportunity to fiddle with tech would ever come to pass? Yuki quickly headed to the now non-intimidatingly high building, and requested an audience with Alice. The staff who nodded curtly must have been given a heads up, and so they took her up to a concealed room she wasn't familiar with. When the doors to the elevator slid open, they revealed a sizable room, surrounded by screens and computers, as well as a center round table overflowing with papers and documents. Off to the side, one could also make out a marked off area specified for training. Yuki quietly stepped into the room, marvelling at its decor, soon remarking five people, each to a sector of their own. The same people she had become acquainted with throughout the past few days. Hearing the timid footsteps making their way across the floor, Alice silently looked from her desk. Seeing Yuki awkwardly waving hi by the elevator doors, she smiled as a knowing look flashed across her face. Alice got up from her desk and made her way to Yuki, grinning with pleasure. "Welcome Yuki, to the MafiA. As of today, you will be the last and final member of my elite personal circle. You are to be the co-leader of our tech support alongside Lia." Lia waved at her, relief mixed into her happy expression, knowing that she won't have to shoulder the burden alone anymore. To allow Yuki to process her new surroundings, Alice allowed a moment's pause before continuing. "Let's get started on your first assignment. Ready to go?" Yuki smiled nervously as she nodded. She was glad to be there, as she stepped towards her new comrades, who welcomed her with open arms.