〖JJBA - EN〗- Last Judgement

Chapter 41: 1991 - Illuso.

Naples, Italy. January 16th, 1991.

The day before, she had had a lot of trouble getting to sleep. But now, she had a hard time finding the energy to start her day. She knew very well what day it was. And she knew well what she could do on this special day. After all, she had waited a whole year. And she missed him terribly.

And yet that morning, when one of the cats came to wake her up by licking her face, she was in no hurry to open her eyes to summon her lover's ghost. She opened one eye to cuddle the feline and sighed.

"Hello Michelangelo... No thank you, I don't need my toilette to be done."

She sat up in bed and stretched. Then, hesitantly, she looked around her room, staring blankly.

"...Noriaki, I guess you can hear me. I've been talking to you for a year without you being able to answer me and... I'm sorry, I don't think I'm ready. I hope... you don't mind too much. But I'm only starting to feel a little better and... I'm afraid I'll dive back in if you come right back. I want to be able to see you and talk to you without being dependent on your presence... No matter how long it takes..."

She gulped. The feline came to rub up against her, bringing her a certain comfort. It was with tears in her eyes that she whispered,

"... I hope you're not too mad at me, and that you understand. I hope you're still proud of me...»

To her surprise, Caesar appeared at her side, startling her. He hadn't appeared for several months already. And his presence was suddenly reassuring her. He wasn't her guardian angel for nothing.

"Caesar! How good to see you again!"

The man gave her a slight smile and patted her head, a certain pride in his eyes.

"Sorry, cara. It was better for me to let you fly the nest a little. And I see that you are getting more and more mature, day by day.

- ... I try.

- I'm proud of you. And have no doubt, Noriaki too.

- ... really? He doesn't blame me for this?

- Quite the opposite. Every day, we witness all your efforts to get out of this, principessa. And you handle everything like a queen! You don't need us, you know. We're just here to watch over you, but you have to live your life. Lik-"

There was a knock on the door and Caesar fell silent immediately. (Y/N) sighed and got up to open the door, her heart suddenly lighter. It didn't matter how long it would take for her to heal. She would always be protected and encouraged.

"... Riz'?

- Hello, capo. He's arrived.

- ... very well. I'll be downstairs in five minutes, make him wait."

She had to get ready quickly, and the heavy subject of ghosts quickly left her head to be replaced by the apprehension of meeting the potential new member of la Squadra. She brushed the cat hair off her black turtleneck before heading downstairs to the meeting room. No sooner had she pushed open the door than she put all emotion aside and resumed her cold capo attitude. In front of her stood a boy with long black hair and an almost haughty gaze. But that look changed quickly when he looked at the woman in front of him. He seemed almost...impressed.

"Hello. Sorry for the delay, I had a setback.

- ... it's nothing."

She sat down right in front of him so she could examine him in detail. He was still just a kid. And yet he already seemed extremely mature for his age. Another one who had already suffered from Passione's deviances, no doubt.