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Chapter Text

I will take request here if you want to see Luca, Alberto, and Giulia in a AU, prompt, or any type of situation and I can work on it. 

Chapter Text

Guido and Ciccio didn’t have any friends besides Ercole and each other. They were always by his side and made sure to grovel at his feet, never disappointing their friend for his needs. That was until they saw the real Ercole, selfish, greedy, insane, and pathetic. Throwing him into the fountain felt good to do, but it meant the end of their “friendship”. The two tried to make friends with the other children but they always feared Guido or Ciccio were gonna be another Ercole. So now the two are alone.

Walking along the harbor, the two were just kicking a can but nothing special. Then they heard laughter and turned to see Giulia and her friends. Ever since last summer, sea monsters no longer scare Portorosso thanks to Luca and Alberto. They seemed to be having fun, splashing in the water, collecting sea shells, and diving up into the air. The two did feel guilty for bullying a lonely 13 year, even if the nickname was funny it was still cruel. However, it appeared that Giulia is doing much better than they are as she now has friends and a caring family. The two wanted to make things right and turn over a new leaf.

Walking up to them, Luca noticed the pair and pointed them out. “Giulia, watch out!” He said.

”Well, well, well, if it isn’t Ercole’s henchmen.” Giulia mocked. “Trying to dunk me into the fountain again? Your overlord’s reign of terror ended a long time ago, get over it. And if you think you can hurt my friends, you’ll be in a world of hurt!” She got into a boxer position while swinging her fist.

”Wait-wait,” Guido said. “We’re not here to tease you guys. We just wanted to say that we’re sorry.”

”Sorry?”

”We’re sorry for the way we treated you and your friends.” Ciccio said. “Sorry for the way we teased and bully you. Ercole was our only friend at the time and we didn’t want him to leave us so we tried our best to please him, even if it meant hurting others.” Giulia was still suspicious of the duo. 

“You don’t have to forgive us,” Guido said. “But we can start over as friends. If you like?” Giulia was hesitant, the two had teased her for years but they did seemed desperate and guilt-ridden. However, she didn’t want to become as evil as Ercole and felt the boys did deserve some friends. Giulia put her hand out and said.

”Fine by me. Giulia Marcovaldo.” The boys shook the girl’s hand and smiled. 

“Ciccio Petrelli.”

“Guido Crisci.” Luca and Alberto saw this and felt at eased. Getting up from the water they shook the boys’ hand as well.

”Alberto Sc-Marcovaldo.”

”Luca Paguro.” Guido shook his hand. “Piacere Girolamo Trombetta!” Guido gave Luca a weird look but still accepted.

”Hey!” Ciccio turned to Guido and whisper something. Then the duo left for a little bit. Coming back, they brought gelato so that everyone can enjoy. The underdogs gladly accepted the treats as well as their new found friends. Ciccio and Guido felt accepted. No longer teased and berated by Ercole, the duo laughed and played in the water with the sea monsters and ate some delicious gelato.

Ercole saw this going on from a distance. Seeing his henchmen happy without him made him angry. “Perdenti.” Ercole said.

”Ercole!” Came the store owner. “Are you finished sweeping?” 

“Al-almost done sir!” Ercole stammered as he got back to work.

Chapter Text

Alberto was thrilled that summer arrived, Luca and Giulia finished their first year at school at now where heading to Portorosso to spend the whole summer. After last summer, Luca found Alberto in the abandoned light house and began to build and work on their own vespas. It was soon after that they went to the town and became friends with Giulia. Luca, fascinated with the human world, wanted to study with Giulia in Genova. Alberto was afraid of this, thinking it was the same situation as his dad who abandoned him and tried to stop it. However, Luca’s determination allowed him to got off the island and find new friends and allow Luca to see the world.

Alberto never gone back to the island, staying with Massimo he found work through fishing and made a killing though it. Alberto would sometimes stare at the island whenever Massimo would take him to work. The island was his home, and his prison. He didn’t want to go back no matter what as it held bad memories for the young teen. Till now.

Luca and Giulia had gotten home and had a meal which Alberto had made. Cleaning up, the three talked about what they wanted to do this summer. Giulia saw Alberto leave the room, she then got closer to Luca.

”Luca,” she said. “What ever happen to Alberto’s family?”

“What?” Luca said.

”I never see him with his family before. I see yours all the time, but never Alberto’s. Are they far away?” Luca was silent, it took him a minute to answer.

”It’s a long story.” Alberto returned but saw the two of them talking and hid.

”Is is bad?” Luca nodded. Giulia went to grab another dish, she wanted to know more but it felt like a can of worms.

“Did-did they die?” Giulia said.

”No they left.” The two turned around and saw Alberto standing but the door way.

”Alberto!” Luca said. “It’s not-“

”It’s okay Luca. The truth was gonna come out.”

”Alberto,” Giulia came forward. “What happen to them? Please, I need to know.” 

“You want to know? I’ll show you.” Grabbing a boat, the three went to the Island. Climbing the lighthouse, Giulia saw the state it was in. Cobwebs and dust scattered the area, the place was a mess and decaying. Giulia then saw the marks on the wall, she got a closer look and wiped one of them.

”Alberto, what is this?” Giulia asked.

”My dad left me here when I was young. He said that I was old enough to take care of myself and left. I though he was joking and would come back eventually so I started to count the days when he would retuned. Happily waited, all on my own under the endless sky. He never returned.” Alberto choked. “Eventually I stopped counting, I still had dreams that he returned but I would always wake up.” A tear drop turned his skin to a purple as it fell from his cheek. 

“I-is that why you wanted Luca to stay?”

”He was the only person to talk to me. Luca helped me get out off the island. And when I saw you and Luca talking about leaving, I snapped. I thought he was gonna leave me forever!” Alberto shouted. “That’s why I changed in front of you, I thought if I showed you the real me, you’d be afraid of us but…” Alberto stopped as his tears started to come out. “Anyways, that’s what happen. My family’s gone and I’m all alone. Happy?” Alberto looked down from the height. Giulia felt guilty, she never thought anyone could do that to their own kid. She was was happy that her dad loved her. She went behind Alberto and gave him a hug.

”W-what are you?”

”You’re not alone, stupido.”

”What?”

”Think about it, Luca and I are still here. We haven’t left you alone forever. We came back like we said.

”But-“

”And even when we do leave, my dad lets you stay with him and treats you like a person. Despite being a sea monster. And everyone in town loves you! We’re your family. Plus, I kinda see you as my big brother.” She blushed.

”I’m a big brother to you?”

”Yeah, I mean you kinda are. My dad lets you sleep at our house, he treats you like he treats me, and hangs your pictures on the fridge. Even my mom loves you! So we’re your family.” Alberto stopped crying. Wiping the tears away he started to feel warm again.

“B-but what if my dad comes back?” 

“Well then we’ll tell him that his son found a new family. One who actually cares about him. And if he doesn’t leave well stuff him and display him in our house!” Alberto looked at the wall, seeing the marks that he left waiting for his dad to come back was now a distance memory. He had a new family, Luca was his friend and they were gonna go on new adventures. Hugging the girl back, Giulia found herself a new sibling. Luca saw this as he got up and smiled. “So what do you say Bro? Do you wanna leave?” Giulia said. Alberto then went on the edge and jumped off. “HAIL MARY, FULL OF GRACE!!!” Giulia yelled as Alberto fell onto the tree and landed on the ground. 

“Hahah! Come on sis’ have some fun!” Alberto was back to his old self. Giulia then saw Luca jumped off too and landed the same way.

”Come on Giulia!” Luca said. “Join us!”

”I-I love to but I rather keep my spine.” Giulia said as she climbed down the makeshift ladder. The three then left the island. Alberto looked back at the island one more time before getting on the boat. Now having found a new sets of friends and family members, he didn’t have to go back to the dark depths of loneliness. He was finally home.

Chapter Text

Luca had arrived to eat breakfast at Giulia’s. They were having Ricotta pancakes, Luca never had pancakes before so he was excited. Everyone was there except Alberto. “Where’s Alberto?” Luca asked.

“Probably still asleep.” Giulia said. “He didn’t want to wake up this morning.” Giulia then proceeded to stuff a pancake into her mouth. They then heard groaning. Coming from the hallway, Alberto arrived to take his place in the dining room. His skin looked pale and his eyes were watery. 

“Don’t tell me you guys started without me?” Alberto weakly said. Luca, Giulia, and Massimo noticed Alberto’s condition, Massimo was the first to speak about it.

”Is everything alright Alberto? You look…”

”What? Yeah, never been better.” He said, obviously lying. 

“You don’t look better.” Luca said. 

“That’s because I haven’t eaten yet.” Alberto try to eat the pancake but only took a small bite, he put the rest down and pushed his plate back. “Well, I’m full. I’ll be outside to help with the fish.” He then left, leaving the three worried.

At sea, Alberto wasn’t doing any better. He was coughing out loud and the coughs sounded dry. “Alberto, are you sure you want to work?” 

“Oh yeah, I’m be fine.” Alberto confidently said, as he stood on top of the boat.

”That cough of yours seems to be getting worse.” Replied Luca. 

“Oh, yeah. Sometimes I used to get coughs like this all the time but don’t worry. They go away in like a week.” Giulia and Luca looked at each other. Concerned for Alberto’s wellbeing. “Besides, a little sunshine, fresh air, and a good swim is what brought me back. Watch.” He said as he got into the water. He didn’t came back up. Luca went in after him and saw that the kid was lying on the ocean floor napping. 

Alberto woke up a few hours later. He found himself in bed with Machiavelli sleeping on his chest. The door creaked open and out came Luca and Giulia carrying books and pillows. “Oh, you’re finally up.” Giulia said.

”What happened?” Alberto groan.

“You passed out while swimming, you had a fever of 105.” Luca said.

”That’s good, right?” Alberto asked.

”No, you need to rest. Papa made your bed and right now is cooking you some soup.” Giulia answered.

“You guys, I don’t need your help. I’ve been through this countless of times, It will go away in a few weeks.”

”Weeks?!” Giulia said.

”Yeah. Doesn’t this stuff go away in like weeks or something?” 

“Not if you’re have a condition this bad.” The red head scolded at the kid. “Now, I’m going to get some medicine. Luca, I trust  you to entertain him.”

”You got it, I got a copy of Auto Italiana from the train station.” Luca answered back. Giulia smiled and left. Alberto put the cat down and try to get up. 

“Luca, I’m fine. I don’t need you or Giulia taking care of me. Now what do you say we go ride a bike?” Alberto got up and try to stand up tall, but his knees were weak, he was shivering, and felt light headed. 

“I’m sorry Alberto, but we need you to be healthy if you want to go out again.”

”But I don’t want to sleep.”

”You don’t have to sleep, just rest.” Luca guided the boy back to bed and put the blanket over him. Alberto was mad it did felt nice. “How about I read you a article from this magazine? It has vespas and so much more.” Luca waved the magazine in his face. Alberto groaned as Luca was given the okay. Alberto enjoyed it, he didn’t had anyone to take care of him when he was sick so it felt nice having someone to look out for him. The vespas Luca was talking about sounded cool, and the pictures were even cooler.

Gulia came back with medicine and a bowl of soup. Alberto looked at the soup and pushed it aside. “Can I get pesto instead?”

”No, what you need is something warm to combat the illness.”

”I can still do the same with Pesto.”

”Just try it. My papa’s soup will cure anything that ills you. I promise.” Alberto grabbed the spoon and sipped the contents. His eyes widen as his tongue got burned from the warm contents.

“Hot! Hot! Hot!”

”Santa Mozzarella! You need to blow on it!” Giulia gave the sea monster a glass of water to calm him down. The soup was pretty good. Alberto didn’t had any issues at all. His cough seemed to have gone away but his friends still stayed with him. Alberto had to rely on himself to get better but he was glad that his friends and family helped him get through this. 

The next day, Alberto woke up better than ever. His cough was gone and he didn’t have watery eyes. He was full of energy. His friends however…

”My lungs.” Giulia wheezed.

”I feel cold.” Luca said.

”Oh no! What happened?!” Alberto gasped.

”You stupid cough must’ve transferred to us.” Giulia said.

”Oh poor things. Here let me help.” Alberto picked both Giulia and Luca up and put them into their bed. “Since you guys helped me out, I’ll do the same.”

”Thanks Alberto.” Luca smiled at Alberto.

”Thank you Alberto but I think my dad-“ Giulia was then interrupted when Alberto slammed the door and went to make the two breakfast.

Chapter Text

The underdogs where enjoying a nice summer’s day eating Gelato. Luca and riding the bike while Giulia and Alberto were on the back. They then spotted a crowd while making a turn. Everyone was talking and murmuring amongst themselves, curiosity got the better of the kids and they went to explore it. 

“What’s going on?” Luca asked one of the kids.

”Il Toro is in town! He says he’ll take on anyone and if they beat him they win 80 thousand Lire!” The kid explained. 

“A 80 thousand Lire?!” Giulia exclaimed. “That’s more than 3 Portorosso cups and a half!” 

“But the main thing is, Il Toro is hard to beat.” The gelato kid explained. “He is huge, tough, and dangerous!”

Another kid came into the conversation. ”They said he killed his first bull when he was six and they call him Toro because of it.”

“That’s sounds cool.” Alberto ignored the boy’s story. “But is he really that bad?”

”Oh, very bad! I mean, just look at the poster!” The poster showed a big, hulking man with horns on his head. “No one has been able to defeat him!”

”Soon, that will change!” Everyone turned to their attention to Ercole. “As the great Ercole will get to reclaim his spot by defeating Il Toro!” Everyone booed and threw their empty cones at him. “Your boos mean nothing!”

”I thought your reign of terror had ended after we kicked you butt.” Giulia said. 

“Spewlia, and her smelly, fishy, piccolettos. Interesting to see you here, wait, don’t tell me you guys are thinking of signing up.”

”Why would we?”

”Because, let’s face it, you guys would be crushed into tinny, tiny, shrimps! 

”Oh really?! I bet we can take down Toro in a heartbeat!”

”Um Giulia-“ Luca try to stop her but she was in the moment.

”Oh really?” Ercole continued to tease her. “I like to see you try.”

”We always try! That’s how we destroyed you evil empire! Besides, why would Il Toro want to fight Il pesce gatto?” The surrounding audience laughed at Ercole. As he went to the poster and signed his name. He then turned to Giulia with a smirk.

”Well, I’m waiting!”

”Fine!” Giulia walked up to the poser and signed hers, Luca, and Alberto’s into the dotted line. “How’s that?!”

”Perfecto. See you next week, Spewlia. I have training.” He then road off on his bike.

”We also have training as well!” Giulia yelled. She then turned to her friends. “Now, we should start preparing our big fight.”

”Giulia!” Luca yelled. “We don’t know how to fight!” 

“What?! B-but you’re sea monsters?! I thought  fighting was in your DNA!”

”I’m not a fighter, I’m more of an idea man.” Giulia face palmed in the situation they were in.

“What now?! We can’t fight this guy, he’ll kill us! Wait, what if we’re injured? We can’t  compete if we’re injured. Alberto, do you know where there is a cliff?”

”I know a lot of cliffs, right this way.” Luca then got in front of the two and said.

“Wait, what about we try training? Maybe we’re good and we don’t know it yet.”

”I guess, let see…” She grab a pack of flour and put it on a barrel. “Punch this.” Luca weakly punched it. “Try it harder, pretend its your Uncle Ugo’s heart.” Luca punched harder but it not the result they were looking for. Giulia went ahead and punched it as hard as she could pretending it was Ercole’s face. It fell but nothing serious. Alberto came last, and promptly knocked it to a brick wall. Giulia and Luca were both surprise to see the strength that Alberto had in him. 

“Congratulations Alberto.” Giulia said. “You are officially our fighter!”

”Wait what?” Day and night, they began to help Alberto trained. Watching old wrestling and fighting movies and copied the moves, using whatever they can do Alberto can hit at it, running up and down the hill, and after his workout, a big helping of pasta. Alberto was getting the hang of it, as he learned to doge the attack but moving around a lot, but by also jumping as well, he even saw some old cartoons staring a character named pop-eye. He didn’t want to disappoint his friends and Giulia seemed to be getting the hang as manager, and Luca was a great motivator. Alberto was finally ready.

The big day arrived, everyone packed themselves in like sardines to see the action. The three signed in as they saw the Il Toro arrived. He was huge for a sixteen year old, his stature was large and his face was blank. Giulia and Luca became immediately frighten as the man came on stage. Alberto wasn’t, as he seemed to have gotten used to the atmosphere. “Hey, I already signed us in.”

”Oh, thanks Alberto.” Giulia read the signature till she saw Alberto’s. “Il Monstro Alberto?” 

“What? I needed a cool nickname like Il Toro.” The match began. 

“Our first contestant, Ercole Visconti.” Ercole came rushing in and pushed all the other contestants. 

“Out of the way losers! Let me show you how a man fights.” He stepped into the ring and already felt confident. The bell rang and the fight began. “Look at this guys,” he turned to the crowd. “The world will forever know the name of Ercole!” He swung at the guy but missed, Toro hit Ercole’s face twice. The crowd gasped as Ercole was punched hard enough to be launched out of the ring and into trash. The audience was laughing as the now embarrassed Ercole got up, with the trash can still on top of him, and head to the nearest exits. 

“The world did knew about Ercole,” Giulia said. “They knew that he was trash.” After that, the next contestant was up and was knocked out of the ring. One by one, each fighter either forfeited or got knocked out. Eventually, it was Alberto’s turn. He put on his gloves and got up into the ring. He turned to see his friends and Massimo carry a banner saying ‘Team Alberto!’. He wasn’t gonna fail them. 

“Now, the final contestant, Signor Monstro Alberto.” The family cheered at Alberto as he was still warming up. Il Toto got closed to him and Alberto was a little scared but was excited. “Began!” 

Alberto moved around the behemoth, he started his arms and bobbed him on the head. Toro was taken aback but went ahead with punching him. Alberto moved around and kept getting the guy.

”Use the kangaroo on him!” Luca yelled.

“Come on Alberto! Do it!” Giulia also. Alberto went ahead with punching the guy, Toro kept trying his best to punch him but Alberto was moving around a lot so he strikes were missing. Alberto punched him, the fighter then fell and catches himself on the post. Alberto was readying another punch when, “Don’t you dare!” A woman stopped him.

“Your mother’s here?” Alberto said.

”Yeah, so what?” Toro said. Alberto shook her hand.

”Please to meet you ma’am. I have a step mother but still a mom.” Alberto turned to his friends. “I can’t knock him out when his m-“ Alberto fell over to the ground, the kid’s punches were painful but Alberto wasn’t done yet.

”Come on, ‘Berto! Fight!” Luca shouted.

Alberto got up and dodged every attack the fighter threw at him. Punching the day lights out of him, jumping around a lot to doggie the guy’s punches. Pretty soon, Toro became tired from all the moving around. Alberto got his fist, twirl it around and laid the final smackdown. Toro was down and the audience was silent.

”And the winner is, Alberto Marcovaldo, the Monstro Alberto.” Luca and Giulia ran on stage and hugged Alberto, Massimo perched him high on his shoulder as the crown cheered from him. They were given a large trophy with the cash in inside. Alberto got down and hugged both Luca and Giulia then proceeded to carry the trophy. The audience cheered at the new boxer. Luca then grabbed the water bottle and dumbed it on Alberto’s head. “Wait Luca-“ Giulia try to stop him but it was too late. The audience gasped as Alberto’s monster form was revealed.

”M-m-Monster!” The announcer screamed, then the whole arena cleared away and everyone rushed to the exits. Leaving the winner’s behind.

”Well that was fun,” Alberto said. “Can we try again next year?”  

Chapter Text

Summer had started but that didn’t stop the underdogs from training for the Portorosso cup. With Ercole’s evil reign of terror over, the kids no longer were afraid of Ercole as he was knocked dow a peg. Giulia and her friends focused on competing for the race so they wouldn’t have any issues. Alberto was working up an appetite on pasta, Giulia was practicing swimming, and Luca was workin on racing with his bike.

On one session, Luca testing his speed with the bike, Giulia had the watch ready and Alberto had a plate of spaghetti. Luca was trying his best to beat his last record when he was stopped by Ercole. “Ercole.” Giulia said in disgust.

”Why, isn’t it Spewlia and her sea monster friends. I though they chased you guys out of town.”

”And I thought you went to college because your father forced after finding out what you spent his money on children races.” 

“My semester ended already. I still have unfinished business with the likes of you.”

”Get over yourself Ercole.” Alberto cut in.

”Yeah, I mean you’re kinda already an adult picking on small kids.” Luca said.

”Irregardless, I came here for a proposition. I would like to race one of you.”

”Huh?” Giulia said.

”I want to prove to myself that is still got it and I’ll make it interesting. If I win, you’ll have to give me your bike but If you win, I’ll give you my Vespa free of charge.”

”Wait, really?” Alberto’s eyes lit up. 

“Why of course. I’ll even give to you the wax to make it shine like the sun.”

”That’s amazing!” Luca said. Giulia then pulled the boys into a meeting away from Ercole.

“Guys, this is Ercole we’re talking about. He’s a snake in the grass that will poison you to get his way. Even if we do win, how will we know if he’ll give up his Vespa?”

”It couldn’t hurt to try.” Luca said.

”Luca,” Alberto cut in. “This is Ercole that we’re talking about. He try to kill us last summer.” 

”Maybe this time it will be different.” Luca added. “We have been training since we got here and I am now able to handle a bike.”

”Luca,” Giulia spoke. “I’m just scared that…what if he hurts you again?”

”Don’t worry Giulia, I’ll be fine.” Luca comforted her. “I can do this now!” Giulia turned to Ercole.

”Make sure the Vespa’s clean when we win!” And shook his hand.

The starting line was began at the spot where the bike race was held. Ercole and Luca both got their bike ready, and once Alberto waved the flag, they were off. 

Ercole was trying his best to get up on the hill but due to constant studying for his classes left him a little rusty. Luca on the other hand was able to get through it, despite studying he was able to get across just fine.

Once at the top, Luca waited for Ercole to arrive so it was fair. Once Ercole got up, Luca began to ride but Ercole at another plan in mind. He wanted to take revenge against the sea monsters for ruining his image of him so he would sabotage their best rider. Non other than the one who started all this, Luca.

He got close to Luca despite trying to maneuver himself from the civilians and streets. Luca was ahead but he needed to gain a little more speed. Once he was close enough, he attacked. “Piccoletto!” Luca turned to see Ercole next to him. “This is for ruining my image!” Pushed Luca, making him lose control of his bike. Luca then crash into a wall and let out a pain filled scream.

“Luca!” Both Alberto and Giulia yelled as they rushed to their friend. Ercole passed them as he cheered for himself.

”What do you know? Ercole still defeated Spewlia and her losers.” He mocked. Alberto and Giulia picked Luca up, he was grasping at his arm. 

“I-it hurts guys. I can’t move it.” Luca showed his hand and saw that his arm was dislocated.

”W-What did you do?!” Giulia yelled.

”Me? I won fair and square.” 

“No you didn’t! You pushed him into the wall! You bastardo!” Giulia snapped.

”Giulia-“ Luca try to stop her but it was useless.

”What the hell is your problem?!” Alberto joined in. “Are you that insecure that you go after kids?!” 

“I have no idea what you are talking about.” Ercole try to deny it. Giulia was fuming but her friends needed her.

”Alberto,” She answered with anger still in her voice. “I’m taking Luca to Il medico. You know what to do.” She then left with Luca. Alberto dumped Luca’s water bottle on himself and turned into his monster form. Ercole was getting a little scared as Alberto pounced onto the grown man.

A few hours later, Daniela and Lorenzo were at Giulia’s house. Daniela was praying that her son was okay and felt like blaming herself. the front door opened. Giulia and Luca came into the living room with Luca wearing a deep blue cast. Daniela ran to her child and saw the cast.

”What is this?” She spoke, all teary eyed.

”It’s a cast. Luca suffered an injury that dislocated his hand and has to wear a cast for one month. Luckily, it was not that bad.”

”Not that bad?! My son’s poor bones got  damaged and it not bad?!” The poor mother became hysterical. Lorenzo came to calm her down.

”It’s alright mother, I’m fine. The doctor made my cast waterproof so I’m still able to go into the water.” Luca added. Giulia felt guilty, she should’ve done something but she didn’t. She let her friend get hurt because of her. She wanted to cry.

She saw Alberto, covered in scratches and bruises. “Did you…”

”Don’t worry, he got the message.” At least there was some justice. 

“I think we’ll have to forfeit this year.” Giulia said. “Luca’s arm needs time to heal and it will take another month for his hand to fully heal itself.”

”I wish I could have done something to stop it. If feel so bad that I didn’t stepped in.” Alberto sounded guilty. Giulia couldn’t let this happen, she couldn’t let Ercole get away with it. She know her papa and the priest would disagree but revenge is needed in this situation. 

Sneaking to Ercole’s home, the duo made sure there was no one in sight. Once it was clear, the duo snuck into the garage to wreck Ercole’s prize Vespa. As much it hurt Alberto, he had to do it for Luca. They opened the garage but no Vespa. They were baffled as to what happen to the Vespa, but they thought Ercole put it somewhere else.

They arrived home, bringing a big pizza so their alibi was covered. Giulia was still angry that she couldn’t do anything to Ercole after what he did to Luca. 

“We can try to get him another try.” Alberto said. “We could take the chain off from his bike.” 

“What about if we wreck his bike?”

”Or the next time he is racing we can get rid of a few screws?”

”How about we jam his wheel with a stick while he’s riding.” Then, the though hit her. “No, If we do all that then we’ll just be like him. And I don’t want to play under his game.”

”There has to be something we can do.”

”But if we do, how would that make us any better than him?”

”Because we’re not evil.” Once the got home, to their surprise, they saw a Vespa by the door. And not just any Vespa, the red Vespa that Ercole had. The two ran inside, fearing that Ercole must’ve gotten to their family but no Ercole insight. In fact Luca was doing well, he saw his friends and ran up to them.

”There you two are.” He hugged them, his face screamed joy despite having his arm broken.

”What happen?” Alberto asked. “Did Ercole do something to you again?”

”No, him and his dad came by because Ercole told him that a kid attacked him because of what he did. His father was furious and decided that enough was enough. He came by to deliver the Vespa to us as a sign of forgiveness while Ercole watched. It was heart breaking to say the least but also funny!”

”Wait, he gave us the Vespa?”

”His dad thought he needed to become a man and racing and hurting little kids wasn’t gonna cut it. So he’s shipping him to a military college!”

”Wait? Military!” Giulia exclaimed.

”I don’t know what that is but it made Ercole cry even harder than the Vespa.”

”So we now have a Vespa and Ercole is being sent away!?” Alberto asked.

”Yes!” The underdogs cheered at the destruction of Ercole. 

“Wow, and to think we were gonna wreck Ercole’s Vespa!” Alberto said out loud.

”What was that?” Massimo glared at the two kids.

”Did I forget to mention that we brought pizza?” Giulia try to distract her father but to no avail.

Chapter Text

Alberto’s dad left him alone when he was young, never having any other family members he was forced to take care of himself. However, Luca and Giulia helped the poor boy break out of his comfort zone and leave the island behind. Massimo adopted him and now Giulia has an older brother. Alberto is happy that he now has a family, but he doesn’t know what a brother is, or what they do.

He learned it all from watching people as well as from the tv. Brother have to protect their younger sibling, tease them, watch over them, and give advice as well as be a role model. Luca saw him as a brother but now he was an actual brother to Giulia. 

 Summer arrived shortly there after, Giulia and Luca were being situated with the town once more as Alberto cooked them trenette al pesto. “The pasta is good.” Luca answered as he stuffed a handful of spaghetti into his mouth.

”Thanks, also no eating with your mouthful.” Alberto said, his friends gave him a weird look but ignored it.

”My dad must’ve taught you a lot of while we were away.” Giulia claimed.

”Yeah, but I also learned things myself from the strange human box called T.V. As well as radio.”

”Dad bought another one?”

”Yeah, after I tried to break out the little person inside.” The three laughed as they ate their pasta. Giulia had some pasta on her mouth so Alberto wiped it off with a napkin. Giulia wasn’t bother by this but continued to eat.

The next day, the underdogs went around town to see any new changes. Luca got out his bike and wanted to ride it through town. Alberto tempered what the T.V man said. A big brother must protect his siblings. Before Giulia and Luca got on, Alberto had to stop them.

”Helmets?” Luca said.

”Yeah,” Alberto continued. “Safety is our number one priority.”

”Says the kid you jumped off cliffs for fun.” Giulia sarcastically answered.

”Yeah will I grew up, and it’s my job as older brother to help his younger sister and best friend.” 

“Well, I guess if it’s for protection.” Luca conceded. Wearing the helmets, the two saw the familiar and new sights in Portorosso like the extension of the pier and some houses. As well as new gelatos. The underdogs got the new flavors but Alberto had a problem on how they were eating. “You want us to eat it slowly?” Luca asked.

”Yeah, brain freeze is very bad for your big brain.” Alberto answered.

”Brain freeze doesn’t kill brain cells.” Giulia said.

”But still, your brain freezes if you eat too much. You have to eat it like this.” He showed the two how to eat the gelato, slowly licking the flavor and getting some amounts in his mouth. The two copied the style, but it wasn’t the same. “See I told you.” Alberto then proceed to swallow the cone whole.

The underdogs went ahead to the plaza. Where a game of futbol was being played by the younger kids. Giulia and Luca joined in and were having tremendous fun. Until a kid kicked the ball and hit Giulia in the face. Alberto and Luca ran over to see if she was alright. 

“I’m fine guys,” Giulia got up. “I’ll survive.” Alberto went up to the kid.

”What was that?!” Alberto yelled.

”It-it was an accident.”

”An accident? You know she could’ve lose a tooth? Or her brain!”

”Alberto,” Luca try to pull him aside. “What are you doing?”

”Im teaching this punk a lesson.”

”’Berto,” Giulia ran up to him. “I’m fine, see?” Alberto went ahead and checked her head to see if she had any bruises or scrapes. He then turned to the kid.

“You got lucky.” And then pulled the two out of the way and went back home.

”That was a little mean Alberto.” Luca broke the silence.

”I’m sorry, but you could have gotten hurt.”

”Trust me Alberto,” Giulia explained. “I have suffered worst scrapes than that.” She then climbed the try but Alberto grabbed her. “What are you doing?!” 

“Trees are the mains sources of broken limbs!”

”What?!” 

“If we want to go up, we’ll go inside. And see from the windows.” Luca and Giulia were now being creeped out by this new Alberto. Guilia especially.

New Alberto was getting out of control. Giulia went ahead and got some more pesto when Alberto grabbed the food from here, chewed on it, regurgitated the food on her plate, and gave it back to her. “Can’t let my sister choke on her food.” He said as he patted her back. Luca try to read a book but Alberto kicked it off the window.

“Alberto! What is wrong with you?!”

”You could’ve gotten a paper cut, you poor thing.” Alberto said. Giulia try to feed the cat and the kitten but Alberto shaved everyone of them as well as declawed them. “House pets contains ticks, fleas, and dander.” Giulia and Luca couldn’t stand it. They ran off on the roofs once Alberto fell asleep. Going to a nearby house, Luca and Giulia let out a sign of relief.

”Thank God that it’s over.” Giulia said.

”What happen to Alberto?” Luca asked

”I don’t know but I don’t trust this new guy.” 

“We have to get the old Alberto back! I want to jump off cliffs and swallow Gelato whole!”

”There you two are!” The two turn to see Alberto running towards them. Luca and Giulia ran off with Alberto on their tail.

“Leave us alone!”

”Stop! You’ll fall if you keep running!” Giulia stopped and yelled.

”Why do you care all of a sudden?! 

“I’m the big brother! And I can’t have anything bad to you two. It’s what I must do!” 

“Just you’re the big brother doesn’t mean you have to treat us any different.” Guilia continued on. “I know you’re my big brother but you can’t watch over us twenty four seven.” 

“But-“

”But nothing. We’re gonna get hurt, we’re gonna get hit, we’re all gonna die. So let’s enjoy life. You’re my big brother, and I want a fun, protective brother.” Alberto wondered for a bit, then smiled. 

“I’m sorry if I acted to strongly. I just didn’t want to lose you guys.”

”And you’ll never lose us, we’re your family now.” And she pulled Alberto into a hug. “And that’s one thing you’ll never escape.” She laughed as Alberto joined. Luca also joined in the hug as well. Their little moment was ended when…

”Giulia! Alberto! Luca!” They looked down and saw Massimo, holding a flash light. “What are you three doing?!” The man was clearly furious. The three were scared to face an angry father. 

“Um,” Alberto stammered. “Brotherly bonding?” 

Chapter Text

The start of summer was always a great day. Off from school, Luca and Giulia were able to hang out with Alberto and spend three months together and make up for lost time. The underdogs went to a hill near the coast. “Wow, it beautiful!” Luca said.

”Yeah, I never thought there was something like this to exist in Portorosso.” Guilia answered.

”Yeah,” Alberto continued. “I found this while fishing with Massimo. I thought it was the perfect place to kick off the summer.” 

“How do you plan on that?” Giulia asked. Alberto took a step near the hill, ran back, and ran straight to the cliff and jumped off into water. Giulia and Luca looked down and saw Alberto lying on the water.

”Oh my God, he’s dead!” Giulia exclaimed.

”No I’m not.” He flipped over and revealed his smile. “Come on! The waters fine!”

”If you think I’ll-“ But Giulia was cut off when Luca ran past her and dived down into the ocean. Coming back up to show his monsters form. 

“Giulia!” Luca yelled. “Come on!”

”Yeah, join us!”

”I-I don’t know you guys. It looks dangerous!”

”Thats Bruno talking! Besides, we made it and we’re fine!” Alberto try to convince the grip but she was hesitant. The water looked deep enough to dive, the two were fine, and she was close to the shore. However, her little voice try to convince her not to jump and all they million little reasons. She wanted to jump but her voice made her not to. She then went back the way. Luca and Alberto were sadden that Julia didn’t jump in.

”GERONIMO!!” They saw Giulia ran up the cliff and dive close to the boys. Giulia went up for air and laughed. “Haha! That was fun!” 

“See, Don’t listen to Bruno.” Luca said.

”Now, let summer began!” Alberto grabbed Giulia’s hand and swam through the current. Diving down, she touched the ocean floor before Alberto swam up and threw Giulia to taste the fresh sea air. “Silenzio Bruno!” Giulia laughed along with Luca and Alberto. The summer was gonna be a great start to their friendship and many other.