№20|The Welcoming Ceremony
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Later on that night, the group was getting dressed on the jet. “You look really nice in a suit Gabina,” Mama said, fixing Gabriella’s bow tie, “but you suck at tying a bow tie.”

“It doesn't look weird right?” Gabriella asked worryingly. “Of course not, why are you freaking out, you’ve worn suits before.” Mama shrugged. “Well...Diane’s never seen me in a suit...what if she wants me to take it off?” Gabriella began to worry.

“Nonsense,” Diane kissed her cheek, “you look amazing, I can't wait to show you off it everyone!”

“You look beautiful by the way.” Gabriella looked her up and down. She wore an adorable party dress featuring a sweetheart lining that can be seen through the scoop-neck lace overlay for a delightful look. The fully-lined short skirt gathers at the banded natural waist before flowing away from the hips in a flirty a-line shape.

Gabriella also noticed that her wings were on full display. “You’re not worried about people seeing your wings?” Gabriella asked. “Nope, if you can wear a suit, I’m gonna show my wings.” Diane stepped on her tippy-toes to kiss Gabriella’s lips.

“You look so handsome, Gillian!” Cruella gushed, she wore the same dress as the day of the party to celebrate the joining of Hex and Emmanuel’s gangs. “Shut up…” Gillian blushed. “Awe,” Marmalade pinched his cheeks, “someones embarrassed.”

Marmalade wore a yellow A-Line spaghetti straps ruffled dress. “Well, I for one am gonna have fun sucking all these animalistics dry~” Saree cooed. She wore a V Neck V Back A Line Chiffon Dusty Pink Evening Dress With Black Lace And Half Sleeves.

“Okay…” Hex sweatdropped, “how about no, Rosemary texted from inside, there’s a lot of animalistics and other Mafias there.”

“The DeVille Cup always brings in hundreds of Mafias from around the world, but only 6 are chosen for the games.” Cruella explained. “Don't you think this is a trap?” Emmanuel asked, Marmalade shook her head.

“Today is December 1rst. It marks the 1rst day of the Wolf Moon season, which lasts a week, and Red Moon season, which lasts a whole month for Animalistics.” Marmalade purred, “you look hot in a suit~”

“Is that so?”

“Mmhm, like my own James Bond,” Marmalade kissed his lips, “it’s really sexy.”

Emmanuel swooped her up, “oh Mr. Morales! You’re so strong!” Marmalade fake gasped. Cruella and Gillian sighed, “Marmalade, focus.”

“Sorry,” Marmalade giggled, “got a little side tracked.”

She leaned in and whispered to Emmanuel, “we’ll finish later~”

“As I was saying,” Gillian cleared his throat “the start of the season is a day of peace, even Juniper wouldn't defy the Day of Peace.”

“This party will give us a good sense of who we're up against in the cup.” Gabriella nodded slightly. “How do you know we got picked?” Matias asked.

“There's always a drawing before the cup to pick the teams. We were definitely in the games, and so is my family, I don't know about the other 4 though.”

“It'll also allow us to find where they're hiding Sergio, Eponine, and Gloria.” Mama added. “Alright, well, what are we waiting for. Let's get into the party already!” Cruella grabbed her younger brother and sister by the hands, walking to the gate.

“You got your weapons right?” Mama whispered to the group. “Yeah, if things get ugly in there we grab Sergio, Eponine, and Gloria then leave. The less damage to us and the DeVille kids the better.”

The group stopped at the gates to see Rosemary waiting for them. Gillian stopped in his tracks, his eyes widened slightly with his mouth left agape. “Cruella,” he rested his hand on his older sister’s shoulder, “who's that?”

“Rosemary, she’s Hex’s cousin.” Cruella noticed the look in Gillian’s eyes. “Oooh!” Marmalade wiggled her eyebrows. “Rosemary! Come here.” Marmalade called her over.

“What are you doing?! I can't talk to her-” as soon as she came up to Gillian, Rosemary smiled, “hi, I’m Rosemary, you must be Cruella’s little brother, Gillian right?”

“Ye-yeah! That’s me! Gillain my name is!” Gillain laughed awkwardly. Rosemary giggled, “awe, you’re talking like Yoda from Star Wars.”

Gillain blinked a couple of times, “you watch Star Wars?”

“Yeah, I actually have a lightsaber at home…” Rosemary chuckled, rubbing the back of her neck, “I’m kinda a SiFi nerd…”

“Oh my gods your perfect.” Gillian muttered, Rosemary didn’t hear him but Cruella and Marmalade sure did. “If it isn't Star Wars, she’s watching anime.” Hex laughed, ruffling Rosemary’s hair.

“You watch anime?” Gillain couldn't believe how amazing she was. “I told you I'm a big nerd.” Rosemary muttered, “anyways, let’s get into this party, I’m sure they have food and I’m starving!”

Rosemary linked arms with him, letting Gillian get a whiff of her beautiful smell of neroli and rose. Gillian felt like drooling by being so close near her. He looked behind him pointing to Rosemary with a huge smile on her face.

“Oh my god!” Gillian mouth, Marmalade and Cruella laughed as they entered the party.

Marmalade and Emmanuel scanned the ballroom, Emmanuel’s eyes widened when he noticed a familiar face. Emmanuel glared at the man across the room, “I’ll be right back.”

He marched across the room, reaching the bar, “what are you doing here, Damien?” Emmanuel hissed, taking a shot of whiskey.

“Well, after you left me for that little gang, I found my own gang, they showed me the light.” Damien smirked. “I knew it was you on the phone, where is Gloria, Damien?” Emmanuel clenched the cup.

“She’s here,” Damien said, sipping his drink. Emmanuel pulled down Damien by his collar, “tell me where my mother is! You little piece of shit!”

“Emmanuel,” Marmalade approached him, “it’s the day of peace, Manny, we can't cause violence.”

Emmanuel sighed, letting go of Damien. He noticed Damien smirking at Marmalade, “don't even think about it, bud,” he leaned in and whispered, “if you even look at her, I’ll slit your throat!”

“Oh? Now that’s not very peaceful, now is it, Manny?” Damien backed off, so did Emmanuel. “I always hated those snarky comebacks.” Emmanuel scoffed.

“I always hated everything about you and that devil woman.” He hissed, referring to Gloria. Marmalade held back Emmanuel’s fist from punching him, “Manny, no, we can't defy the day of peace.”

“But...I want to punch him!” Emmanuel growled. “I know,” Marmalade sighed, “but we have the entire games to punch the living snot out of him.”

Emmanuel nodded, “when these games start, I’ll make sure you pay for hurting Gloria.”

Gabriella and Diane danced happily before bumping into someone, “oh, I’m sorry.” Diane apologized. She looked down to see a little girl, no older than 8 years old.

“I’m so sorry…” the little girl looked down at her feet ashamed. “Hey it’s alright,” Diane crouched down to her height, “what’s your name? Mine's Diane and that’s my girlfriend, Gabriella.”

“El-Eloise…” she whispered, Gabriella and Diane barely heard her. Gabriella smiled at the small child, “are you lost? If so, me and Dani can help you find your parents.”
 
“My parents died…” Eloise whimpered. “O-Oh, we’re sorry we asked!” Gabriella tried to console Eloise. “It-It’s alright Miss Gabriella…” Eloise wiped her tears. Diane noticed the sweets table, “hey, why don't we get you some cookies or maybe something else from the sweets table?”
 
“O-Okay.” Eloise approached the sweets table, her eyes sparkling when they set on the table of sugary assortments. Eloise picked up some cookies and chocolate covered strawberries, putting them on the plate and handing them to Gabriella and Diane.
 
“He-Here!” Eloise bowed. “We already ate, you go ahead and eat, you look like you haven’t in days. Didn’t you get a dinner plate?” Diane asked. Eloise shook her head, “Mistress took it, she said she needed more food than me.”
 
“Mistress?” Diane was confused, Gabriella tapped her shoulder, “look at her ankle.” Diane looked at Eloise's ankle to see a chain tattoo around it. Diane covered her mouth in shock, “she is only 8, maybe 9! How is she owned by someone?!”
 
“Eloise, this may be rude, but are you a slave?”
 
“Yeah...my mother and father owed Mistress a lot of money and when they couldn't pay it she killed them and took me and said I had to pay their debt off.” Eloise explained. “Oh my gods…” Gabriella clenched her fist, hugging Eloise, “come on, you’re sitting with us.”
 
Diane held onto her small hand as they walked Eloise back to their table, introducing them to the group.
 
Mama looked around, she was getting anxious, she could sense Sergio was close but she didn’t know where he was. She sighed, stepping outside onto the balcony, looking up at the stars.
 
“Where are you, Sergio?”

Emma felt a hand on her shoulder, “Emma? Is that really you?” Emma froze, the voice of the love of her life so close. “You better be there when I turn around Sergio.” Emma hissed. Sergio bellowed as she wrapped his arms around Emma, “I missed you!”
 
Emma broke down crying, “Sergio!” Emma held onto him tight, crying into his chest. “I forgot how beautiful you were Emma, how soft your black hair is...how wonderful your touch is.” Sergio was surprised when he felt Emma’s lips on his.
 
“15 years...it’s been 15 years since I’ve seen you! I would love to just sit and talk but I need action and I need it now.” Emma sat on the rim of the balcony, pulling Sergio in close. They stared into each other’s eyes, falling deep into trance.
 
Emma noticed the metal collar around Sergio’s neck, “what’s that?” Emma asked. “A collar Juniper makes all the poisoner's wear when they are in common areas other than the cells.” Sergio sighed.
 
“But don't worry,” Sergio kissed her softly, “just pretend it isn't there.”
 
“Pa!” Hex, Gabriella, and Ector cheered, tackling Sergio in a big hug. “Pa! Oh my gods and goddess we’ve missed you!”
 
“Hex! Gabriella! Ector! You’re here!” Sergio cheered, after so long, their family was reunited. “Soooo….how ya been?” Sergio asked playfully. The three kids began talking over each other, but somehow Sergio was able to hear each kid.
 
“Oh, so you actually got with Cruella? I’d thought you wimp out or some shit!” Sergio laughed, clinking beers with Hex. “It’s a pleasure to meet you, Mr. Perez.” Cruella poliently greeted him.
 
“Stop that formality,” Sergio pulled her in for a big hug, “you’re one of the family now.”
 
Cruella smiles, hugging him back, “I guess I am…”
 
“Now,” Sergio let go of her, “when am I gonna see some grandkids.”
 
Hex and Cruella blushed madly, Sergio noticed Eloise, “see! Gabriella and Diane are already ahead! They adopted a kid!”
 
“No, no, no, no!” Gabriella and Diane shook their heads. “Oh, then who is she?” Sergio asked. “She’s a little girl we found at the party, I think she’s with another mafia or gang.” Diane guessed.
 
“But your only 8, maybe 9, how in gods name are you a part of a gang. There’s laws in place saying gangs and mafias can't recruit people under the age of 18.” Sergio stated. “I-I know, but my parents owed Mistress a lot of money and when they died their debt transferred to me.” Eloise explained.
 
Sergio sighed, “I’m sorry Eloise, we promise we’ll help you in any way possible.”
 
Eloise smiled, “thank you sir.”
 
“Call me grandpa.”
 
Meanwhile, Eponine sat at her window, staring off into the distance when a tapping came to a shock to her. “Eponine! It’s me!” Matias waved, giving him a bright smile.

~¥~
 
“I’m guessing Carlos gets his smile from Matias.” CJ chuckled, ruffling her husband’s hair. “Yeah.” Cruella nodded, continuing the story.

~¥~
 
Eponine opened the window, “Ma-Matias?!”
 
“Oh thank god!” Matias hugged her tightly, “these last few weeks without you have been hell! I know it’s sudden but I really missed you, I missed you so much Eppy.”
 
Eponine clenched the back of his suit, “you’ve been on my mind ever since we left each other in the carriage.”
 
“That day I left you was the hardest day of my life, it took all my strength to not stay and kill Tangerine and Juniper for even trying to take you away from me.” Matias stroked her cheek.
 
“Have you been crying?” he could smell the residue of tears on her cheeks. “It’s the only way I make it through this hell.” Eponine responded. “Eponine,” Matias whispered, inching closer to her face, “I never want to see you cry again.”
 
“Matias, you can't change everything.” Eponine sighed. “I know I can't,” Matias ran his fingers through her hair, “but, if I only have tonight with you….please, let me help you.”
 
“Matias…” Eponine laid back, her eyes sparkling in the moonlight. Matias bit his lip slightly, “don't give me that innocent look.”
 
“Matias please…” Eponine ears perked up when she got a whiff of his blackberry pine smell, “I can't take it anymore!”
 
Eponine pulled him down by the collar, smashing her lips into his. After the initial shock, Matias was glad, the taste of her strawberry flavored lip gloss reminded him of her innocence.
 
“Matias…” he disconnected his lips from hers to let her talk, “I-I-I ne-need you.”
 
“I need you too, Eppy.” Matias kissed her cheek, trailing down to her neck, hitting the collar, “stupid collar.”
 
“Just pretend it isn't there.” Eponine said breathlessly. Matias nodded slightly, “promise me something, Eppy.”
 
“Anything,” Eponine arch her back when he kissed the parts of her neck that weren’t blocked by the collar. “Promise me that you’ll never cry again. I know werecats have bad separation when their mate is away during Mating Week, I’m sorry.” Matias apologized.
 
“But I promise you,” Matias kicked over the left side of her neck, digging her fangs into her neck, Eponine nails digged into Matias’ suit, “Mat-Matias!” Eponine moaned, her body shivering in pleasure.
 
“Now that you have the mark, the anxiety and pain should go down some.” Matias purred, licking the mark, “I like it.”
 
“I love it.” Eponine hugged him tightly, flipping him over, “now you should get a matching one.” Eponine trickled her fingers down his chest, kissing his neck before biting down on it.
 
Eponine meowed sightly, “purrrfect.”
 
Saree didn’t know what it was, but her vampire instincts were going crazy. She looked around, her sensitive hearing targeting a group of vampires nearby. She learned it slightly, listening to what they were saying.
 
“Look at her, with that stupid mortal, how can a vampire like her be with someone like him.” one of the vampires whispered. “She’s royalty and she chose him?! Ugh the nerve.” another one scoffed.
 
Sare stood up, walking over to the group, “hello, my name is Saree VonBat, yes, the daughter of Maldue VonBat, now.” she took a deep breath in and out, “mention my mate again and I’ll crush you.”
 
“You’re bluffing.” one brave woman rolled her eyes, “how’d a weak little vampire like yourself even get a mate like Ector anyways?”
 
“What’s your name, love?” Saree asked sweetly. “Valoria VonBat.” Saree’s eyes widened. “Hello, sister, pleasure to see you again.”

~A/N~

Hewo to all!!! I'm so happy we're finally on this arc!!! One of my best one I've ever written if I do say so myself!

You're gonna love this arc! It's gonna be amazing!!

Stay sweet everyone!!