Venetia's POV

I didn't ask for any of this.

All I've ever wanted is a peaceful, ordinary life. Is being normal too much to ask for?

I tried to prove my innocence during the interrogation, but the officer seemed like he had lost his sense of hearing, which further heightened my frustration. The fact that the victim kept accusing me with such animosity and disgust in her eyes only gave the cops the persuasion they needed.

Why? What did I do to deserve this?

I strived hard to earn a jubilant, fulfilling life and this is the thanks I get? Bullshit.

People say that when you're alone and have no one to talk to, your mind tends to drift off before you knew it. As I sat on the bed in Indian position, my mind wanders to my previous, nightmarish life.

When I was ten, my mother was hospitalized due to a very deadly disease, the acute myeloid leukemia. I dropped out of school at that time, as I couldn't bear to leave her out of my sight even for a second. I'd rather stay in a hospital anyway, the bullying issue at school went out of control that it became a place which I find no reason to go to. She is a person with a heart of gold. Despite her condition, it didn't stop her from fulfilling her responsibility as a mother. She's always such a worry wart whenever I'd go grocery shopping, something that I actually don't mind. In fact, it gave me a sense of belonging.

I was filled with hope when she said that she will be released from the hospital after the diagnosis and a chemotherapy. Unfortunately, she didn't make it after four months had passed. It turns out the said treatments were only for a temporary extension of life span. I was utterly devastated, but I wasn't mad at mom. I knew she'd go that far to keep my happiness. That's just the kind of person she is.

Ever since mom's absence at home, my father has been engaging with illegal activities which involves drugs, murder, and rape. It's less than surprising, since Italy grew to become a country filled with corruption and unscrupulous criminals due to the government's ignorance.

Dad unleashes his vicious, aggressive nature especially whenever he turns into a drunken mess, something that I have to deal with everyday as I became his personal punching bag. Strangely enough, I've grown accustomed to the pain. I don't feel anything when he gives me a brutal beating, it doesn't make me cry nor scream out of agony.

Sometimes, it makes me wonder why kids cry. Why would they cry because of something that's been done? After all, feeling such sadness is a waste of time when hope is long gone.

* * *

Mocking snickers and whispers filled the quiet streets as I saunter along sidewalk of Naples, my expression remaining inscrutable despite the insults throwing at my way.

"Ha, that's what she gets for trusting us. Friendship my ass."

"That officer must've beaten her up real good, that's what she gets for being naive."

I placed my hand over my wounded eye which was wrapped in bandages around my head. I know those voices all too well. They belong to my friends, scratch that. They never saw me as a friend to begin with, and friendship is supposed to be mutual.

"Where are you looking at, bitch?"

My head snaps up immediately and I felt my blood boil at the sight of the person who betrayed my trust. Abriana was leaning against the plain brick wall, smirking cockily. Oh, how I'd love to slap that haughty expression off of her face. Her long, blonde wavy hair was tied up into a high ponytail, her brown eyes filled with derision and disgust.

I've always seen her as my best friend, I thought we were inseparable. However, she tricked me into dyeing my hair the same as hers, mentioning about how it's the current trend nowadays. Being the naive girl I was, I believed her. Before I knew it, the cops arrested me the following day, accusing how I tortured an old woman brutally. It was hard to believe, but the person whom I consider as a sister used me for her own safety. But I'm not that clueless girl anymore. No, I won't fall for her deceptive schemes any longer.

Abriana raised an eyebrow in a challenging manner as I shot her a nasty glare. She then broke into a jeering laugh.

"Aw, look who's trying to act tough now. Did my betrayal affect you that much, Venetia?" She taunted. Her circle of friends snickered to themselves. I fought the urge to roll my eyes. I swear these minions or so-called followers of hers are such huge wannabes.

Impassively, I responded. "I couldn't care less. What's done has been done."

Abriana looked amused. "Oh? Since when did you become such a wise brat? Trying to act cool, huh?"

I felt a solid, painful impact on my face all of a sudden as I collapsed on my back. Abriana cracked her knuckles, grinning sadistically as she looks down on me. Perhaps, she finds pleasure with the indulgence of superiority.

"Damn, my hand fucking hurts like hell. Should've known you have a pretty thick skull. Well whatever, it was totally worth it." As if celebrating a team victory, her friends showers her with a series of high-fives as they cheered like crazed maniacs.

"Come on, girls. We know better than hanging out with that loser." Abriana flipped her hair sassily as she catwalks from the scene, with her friends tailing after her and giving exaggerated praises.

I was extremely enraged, my body screaming to beat the living shit out of her. With a long exhale, I didn't allow my wrath to give in as I stayed still. I knew better than picking a fight with someone, it's something that I consider reckless and foolish.

As I rose on my feet, I resume my absentminded amble around the streets of Naples, my home nowhere in sight.

* * *

This is it. Once it's over, there will be no more sufferings, no more pain, and the endless cycle of melancholic days will finally evanescent like a snowflake disintegrating, joining the pile of snow.

A month has passed since I began living by the streets. It was a torturous routine. The rats lurking in the shadows triggered my insomnia, the unpleasant smell of the leftovers at the garbage cans which I have no choice but to feast on, and the nasty treatments from some passerbys.

As I lay on a dirty blanket, curled into a ball, I accepted my fate. Death isn't my greatest fear, but my escape route from this disreputable world.

Black dots danced around my vision due to my weakened condition. I gave up attempting in satisfying my hunger, I'd rather die than eating something so disgusting.

My eyes snapped open at the sound of footsteps echoing from the alley. I swallowed thickly. Have Abriana and her minions come to beat me up again?

Bracing for the worst scenario, I fished my pocket knife out of my jacket, gripping onto the item as if my life depended on it. A tall figure of a woman standing before me made me stop in my tracks, a surprised gasp escaping from my lips. Her long blonde hair cascaded down to her shoulders in stylish curls, her stormy gray eyes a little intimidating. She sported a white button down shirt, black and white striped suspenders, black high heels and a fancy fedora hat. Realization then hits me.

She's a gangster.

I paled upon spotting a pistol she's carrying. Seeming to realize her mistake, the woman quickly puts it into her prada bag. She sighed.

"Sorry about that, kiddo. I didn't mean any harm, I swear." The woman's voice was oddly soothing and gentle, in contrast of that of an aggressive gangster.

I find myself relaxing in her presence. "Then, what do you want from me?" I asked slowly, choosing my words cautiously. Encountering a gangster could only spell trouble, yet her approachable aura left me speechless.

Her cherry red lips curled up into a kind smile. "The answer seems very obvious, isn't it?" She extended her gloved arm towards me, which I accepted a bit hesitantly. The woman's smile broadened at my acquiesce. For some reason, her gentle demeanor reminded me of my mom.

She helps me up on my feet. "You look like you haven't eaten properly in days. Come with me, I know a good place that'll have your mouth watering."

Astonished and bewildered, I nodded dumbly in response as the woman guided me through the sidewalk. What I find more mesmerizing is the fact that there isn't a single trace of disgust in her eyes despite my filthy appearance.

I felt under dressed as she led me towards the soft cushion of the small, brown couch. The golden lights illuminated the elegant interior of the fancy restaurant. A three-layered chandelier hung above at the center, its shape a resemblance of a wedding cake. The cream-colored walls were filled with beautiful paintings of tourist spots in Italy, the astounding artworks enough to catch the attention of customers. Yellow patterns of autumn leaves suited the majestic design of the red carpet.

Not before long, a waiter came with two plates of pesto pasta dishes. I drooled as the delicious aroma wafted through my nose. The woman gestured to the meal with a smile. "Help yourself." She insisted.

With a coy smile, I pick up the utensils, the thought of finally eating real food after such a long time filled me with excitement. As I feast jubilantly on my meal, I learned the woman's name by the name of Alessa Giordano, who leads a female gang group called the Viale Rosso, meaning, Red Avenue in English.

Alessa looked amused at my flabbergasted expression when she shared about becoming the next capo in the future. I did hear about their organization a few times in public, it is said to be one of the most popular and dangerous female gangs in Italy. Like any gang, they generate income via illegal trades such as drugs and violently protects itself against any enemy, sending members to punish anyone who harms one of them.

(*capo* - "captain" is a rank used in the Mafia)

Despite their dissident and insurgent nature, their group was admittedly extraordinary and remarkable.

"So, Venetia," Alessa began, placing her cup of coffee down. I raised an eyebrow questionably as I stopped eating.

"Actually, I have a very important invitation for you." She said, a somber look replacing her gentle smile.

I blinked a few times, puzzled. My initial thought was that she wishes to invite me to a formal party or some sort, but a gangster wouldn't ask such question out of the blue. While pondering momentarily, Alessa went on.

"But before that, I'd like to know your age."

"Well, I'm fifteen." I answered.

She quirked up a smile. "Perfect." She uttered, clasping her hands together delightedly.

"Um, I beg your pardon?" I inquired.

Little did I know, her next words didn't give me time to prepare myself.

"I'd like to recruit you in hopes of joining our gang."

* * *

A chuckle escaped from my lips. Oh, why am I being nostalgic at a time like this? And the team says that I have a keen concentration and a sharp mind, what a joke.

"Ven?" I snapped out of my thoughts and glanced at my partner beside me, her features scrunched up in confusion. She hasn't changed in the last five years, still the same woman with wavy blonde hair and a striped outfit.

I rolled my eyes. Still acting like a worrywart I see. "I'm fine, Al. I'm probably high on drugs or something but I can do just fine with my role." I remarked sarcastically.

Alessa frowned. "Not funny, Ven. If you screw up on this one, me earning the boss rank is out of question."

A clicking noise occured as I reloaded my pistol with bullets. "You know, you'll get wrinkles if you keep worrying like that."

She sighed. "Alright, I'll stop."

Alessa wore a white long-sleeved dress that reaches down to below her knees, black stripes adorning it. I wondered how she could fight with high heels, but then again she's way more experienced and with her ruthless comabat skills and strategic thinking manner, I knew I still have a long way to go as a gangster.

Blood-curdling screams nearby caught my attention as I gripped onto my gun. I narrowed my eyes through the glass of the door which leads to corridor of the train, refusing to let my guard down.

"They're really that cruel, huh? Even getting innocent people involved into this." I growled.

Alessa pushed her sunglasses up to her nose. "It's a simple bait to make us reveal ourselves to them, quite a sick strategy."

"So what should we do?"

"The footsteps are getting close, I say we go for a surprise attack once they arrive here." She said.

We crouched down on the floor, making sure that we aren't visible from the glass window of the door. The footsteps grew louder and louder with each step, my adrenaline pumping with anticipation.

"I'll go first." Alessa whispered, placing a hand on the door.

In a soft count of three, she shot up from her relaxed posture and kicked the door with incredible force, an agonized scream following by. She smirked. "Got him."

I lowered my gun and immediately checked the person behind the door. My eyes widened. "Al, it's not him."

A middle-aged man was passed out, lying on his stomach. Blood oozed out of the back of his head, forming a small red pool on the floor.

Before I could process what's going on, a loud gunshot made my heart drop to the pit of my stomach. Alessa screeched, collapsing on her knees. She clutched onto her leg as crimson liquid dribbled down to her foot.

"Al!" I exclaimed, alarmed as I automatically went to aid her.

Alessa raised a hand, stopping me. "We have no time left, Ven. She ran down through the corridor, go get her!" She commanded, pushing me up on my feet.

I shook my head vigorously. "But you're--"

"No buts!" She interjected, shooting me a look. "An enemy is on the loose! Focus on the goddamn mission, Ven!"

I flinched at her outburst, then sighed in defeat. "You're right, Al. Sorry, I'm acting unprofessional again."

"It's all good. Just do as I tell you, I'll call up Eloise for medical assistance."

"Roger, I'll be right back." Just as I was about to chase after the enemy, Alessa pulled my arm back.

"And don't forget that he's a sniper so be careful."

With a small smile, I nodded. "I will."

Holding up my weapon, I sauntered briskly through the corridor, checking each passenger room, only to be greeted by the evidence of slaughter; splatters of blood and dead bodies.

I clicked my tongue, rage threatening to burst out like a wildfire. "You'll pay for this, Miriam."

I peeked through door of the last passenger room carefully, scrutinizing the area. Nothing but dead passengers were inside. However, something caught my eye. A brunette woman sat on the seats, unconscious. Blood dripped down on the sides of her face. What I find suspicious is the sniper resting on her lap. I raised an eyebrow.

Does she think she can fool me by playing dead?

I recalled the photo that the gang had showed me. Long brown hair and tanned skin, she's definitely Miriam Beneventi, the leader of the group of traitors in Viale Rosso. Miriam's squad betrayed the boss' trust and assassinated him to steal his wealth. However, they are in demand for the boss' daughter in hopes of using her to find more about his whereabouts and hidden fortunes from various businesses across the world. Greed is the perfect way to define them.

Now Viale Rosso's objective is to eliminate the traitors in order to avenge the boss' demise and to protect his daughter.

"Do you really think that I'm dumb enough to fall for your tricks, Miriam? I hate to break it to you, but an idiot isn't my middle name."

I pointed my gun at her. "Got'cha."

"Nuh-uh. That's supposed to be my line, Venetia Ferrari."

Wide-eyed, I whipped around, now face to face with the real Miriam. She sported a black leather jacket underneath a white shirt and some ripped jeans. Her pistol aimed directly at me. I quickly used the door as my shield when she attempted to shoot me.

Miriam smirked. "Hm, not bad." She slipped her weapon back into her pocket. "Say, how about a hand to hand combat fight? I heard you were trained personally under the famous Alessa Costanzo."

I cracked my knuckles, forming into a fighting stance. "Bring it on, bitch."

At a speed of lightning, Miriam charges with a high kick, straight towards my jaw. Inclining my neck to the side, I aimed an uppercut to her gut. She jumps back at a safe distance before I could land a hit, coming right at me once more, delivering a series of punches. I dodged out of her punching range swiftly, my gaze trained on her fists. Grabbing onto her arm, I pulled her in roughly before smashing my elbow against her face.

"Fuck!" Miriam groaned as she staggered back at the impact.

She wiped, the blood on the corner of her mouth, glaring at me. "You'll pay for that!"

Starting off with a sidekick, I deflected it with my arm quickly. I failed to hide my surprise when she aimed a cross punch out of nowhere, causing momentary lightheadedness. I cursed under my breath for allowing an opening give away. I barely dodged her knee strike, the slight dizziness distracting me. Recoiling immediately as to avoid being dominated, I went on offense mode as I threw consecutive punches, and Miriam ducks swiftly in response. I didn't stop there. After a low kick, I switched my stance and sent an uppercut, finishing the combo attack with a roundhouse kick as I pivoted on my heel, spinning around like a graceful ballerina.

The fight goes on and on, both of us determined to gain the upper hand. Eventually, it comes to a conclusion as I pulled off a spinning back kick, stepping forward before spinning my body backwards, the impact landing against her face.

Miriam collapsed against the wall, panting heavily. Not wasting another minute, I pulled out my gun.

"Any last words?" I uttered coldly.

She chuckled weakly, smirking confidently despite her current state. "Even if you kill me now, your gang can never stop my squad from getting their hands on the boss' daughter."

I rolled my eyes. "I shouldn't have asked that. Go to hell, Miriam." Without hesitation, I pulled the trigger and shot her through the heart.

Placing my gun back into my pocket, I limped towards the direction where Alessa was wounded, my aching body littered with bruises. I hate to admit it but Miriam was probably one of the powerful enemies I've faced so far.

And I knew that more enemies awaits the gang's arrival.

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Word Count: 3,240