Ashes in the Rain

| Chapter 4: Forgotten Memories |

Location: Unknown New House, Italy
Date: March 31st, 1930
Time: 10:00 am

Lily's POV
The new house was wonderful, it was out in the rural side of Italy. It was free of overcrowding, and I could be in my kindle form all day and night. The sunlight would shine into the windows and the stars were bright at dusk. It gave me an inspiration to paint, and this time it was not something from my darkest of memories. For this brief time I left that place behind, this new place was a start of something new. A whole new life whereas to my old one followed me around like a shadow. I never forgot my past, and even if I haven't remembered exactly all of it, I feel that it is time to drop it and rise from my hiatus.

Speaking of something new... I could tell that something was changing with the relationship between Leo and I. I could feel myself becoming strange every second I was around him. I still don't know what this feeling is... but it is something unfamiliar to me. Something I don't understand just yet. "Lily, do you wish to come with me to the village to shop for groceries?" Leo popped up as I was thinking. "Hm? Uh- Oh yes. Of course." I replied. "Milady, you mustn't stumble with your words." He sighed. 'Milady? Oh that's right... Leo always speaks to me formally. But... Somehow...' "Leo?" I said. "Is it too much of a task to lose the formality? I mean... I call you by your first name." He looked slightly confused. "Well... I'm not sure, if you prefer it that way I assume I can." He said. "Lily, grab your coat. Let's go to the village." He continued. I smiled, it feels like a whole new life.

Later on that night...

I was outside on the porch staring into the stars, when Leo walked out and did the same. His jacket was off and his tie pulled loose. "Somehow... I feel that this is a whole new life." I said aloud. "Well, it's mostly because that old house held all your painful memories from the incident." He smiled. Somehow I started to tear up, "I really wish we realized this sooner." I said as I wiped the tears away. Leo hugged me and I hugged him back as I cried. "Don't you ever miss your family? I mean... You lost them at a younger age than I did." I said.

"Do you really want to know?" He asked. "Tell me everything." I replied. "I was too little to remember my real family. Too small to have even the faintest memories of them. Yet somehow, I would always cry from the loneliness. One night, as I cried alone... Two figures walked up to me in the dark. They said they were taking a night stroll when they had found me. Those parents... We're your parents, Lily." He said. "Eh? My parents..." I went quiet. "They didn't intend to make me a butler at first. They adopted me as their own. But my sadness never went away, even after making it to such a luxurious household. It wasn't until after I met you that I had gotten a bit happier. I decided then that I would spend the rest of my life making you as happy as I was when I had first met you. That is why... I was so determined to learn, and became a butler at a young age." Leo said. "I really had no idea." I replied. "I remember what you told me when we first met. You said, 'I heard that you were always alone. I don't get to leave this place either and I'm always alone too... So, is it okay if we become friends? I promise I won't leave if you if you don't leave me." I was flustered. "D-did I really say that?" I mumbled. He didn't answer, he only hugged me tightly.

Location: Clover Bar, China
Date: March 31st, 1930
Time: 11:30 pm

David's POV
    Upon being here drinking till I forget my sorrows, I still couldn't forget Morgan. I felt alive with her, I remember all the scoldings I had gotten from her. She was always worried for my health and saying nonsense, ever since I first met her.

*Flashback*
"Excuse me, sir." I remember hearing a sweet, soft, and highly polite voice. The sound like music to my ears. "What do YOU want?" I responded, rudely, but what can I say? I'm a mafia leader. "You shouldn't drink such beverages. They can ruin you. Smoking doesn't help either." She smiled, the sight was quite astonishing. "So what?" I ask. "Don't you care for your health?" She asked reaching into her kimono, searching for something. "Tsk. Not at all." I replied. I watch as she pulls out a little pouch. "You have a cut on your arm, may I?" She gestured. "Whatever..." I hesitantly responded. 'I'd long forgotten about that bullet graze.' She smiles widely, "Wonderful!" She begins to open this pouch of her's and inside were a variety of medical supplies. What a strange woman... "Do you always do this for strangers?" I asked out of curiosity. "Of course, I can't stand people in pain." She looks upwards, straight into my eyes. "No matter their profession." She states. "You know of my work?" I asked quite surprised. "Of course, you are well known here." She stands, and takes the drink and cigar out of my reach. "You should really stop with this bad habit." With that she left me to wonder when I were to meet her again.
*Flashback Ends*

No matter the amount of times I drink, the memories of her always returns back into my mind. It's always a haunting feeling. Why did she leave? I gave her everything she wanted! Anger started to make its way into myself. I gave her anything she wished for, even the smallest of things! Yet, I guess it wasn't enough. Soon sadness swept in. How could you just leave me with such hurtful words. I thought we'd last forever...

Location: Italy's Airport
Date: March 31st, 1930
Time: 2:00 pm

Kian's POV
I stepped off of the plane to a familiar domain, Italy. I was told that the little bunny heir and her fox butler had left the comforts of their 'home.' 'Honestly, can't captured animals stay in their cages willingly?' I thought. I'm not quite fond of that. So I came here to find them myself. After all... I need them for my plan.

To Be Continued...