Panting as he ran through the streets, the cloaked figure ran for dear life. Dashing through each alleyway while dodging people while doing so, his nimble legs remained strong and fast. His cloak went flailing behind him while he ran, and fear held him by the shoulders as he could feel death right at his heels. He grits his teeth every time he pulls out his gun, quickly pointing it at the men behind him and pulls the trigger, shooting at great accuracy. However, being skilled themselves, Angelica's recruits dodged them quite so easily. It made him flustered, desperate, and angry to realize that he was sent to people who could not possibly defeat o his own.

His pursuers were amazed at their astounding ability to follow their assailant. More than amazed, they enjoyed their moments of flying high heights, feeling no fear. They had no weapons on them, excluding daggers that Enzo bore, so while chasing the suspect the men grabbed whatever they can along the way. Abelle managed to grab a whip from a cart man and instinctively utilized its elasticity to lash at the fleeing suspect. The man, though, managed to escape his whip and dashed into another alley, climb up the building, and began jumping on the tiled rooftops.

The spectators that stood on the ground watched in astonishment at the sudden action. Witnessing such thrill, some became excited while others were alarmed and horrified. The constables started running after the culprits reeking havoc, and some ran to the crime scene with a ruined house. Left at the scene, the fortuneteller grinned in amusement as she watched her students chase the culprit like a cat and mouse. She chuckles to see them so alive and alert; she didn't have to tell them to run after the man. It was like their minds have acted on instinct.

"What's the meaning of this?" demanded the elderly constable. "Those men are with you aren't they? Tell them to stop their-"

"Don't interfere," Angelica told the man sternly. "This is only a simple training for those little kittens. Mastery will lead them to becoming indomitable wild cats."

"This isn't your playground!"

"Of course it isn't! But that wouldn't matter to your opponent who believes that the entire planet is their chess board."

"What do you mean?"

"What I mean is irrelevant to you, constable. This is not your fight, so your role in this little game is to make sure you stay out of the way," replied the fortuneteller, looking at the man darkly. "I want as much as possible to not drag people into this for your own safety and whoever matters to you."

* * * * * * * *

The howling wind screams throughout the forest, making the trees tremble to the very roots. Lightning flashed brightly across the stormy night skies and roars of thunder rumbled. Leaves flew with the gusty wind that slapped the woman's face as she struggled to find shelter from the rain. They fell like tiny bullets crashing into her head, pounding hard on her shoulders with each stride she took. In her hand were the reins tied to her ebony-colored mare. She pulled and heaved to get her friend across the river before the two.

The creature whinnied and stomped, refusing to move further despite its master's wishes to move on. Its black eyes begged the woman to stay until the storm subsides, but she, too, was stubborn. Gritting her teeth, the woman heaves again, and finally the mare gives in. Relieved, she leads her horse across the bridge that lay waste before them. As they stepped onto the bridge, she could feel its instability to possibly hold their weight all together, in addition to their soaked garments and equipment. She refused to be halted because of a creaky bridge; it won't matter if the weather was stormy or not.

Gathering up her courage, the woman walks on the bridge with full confidence that they would make it. Her ears listened to the eery creaks the bridge made and tried to keep calm. Soon the two reached halfway the platform, but at that time, the planks decided to give way. In a split second, the woman felt herself crash into the cold waters of the wild river, followed by the mare's cry of terror.

She felt the rushing waters pull her away from the bridge just as she was about to grab the pillar. Her hands fought to keep the woman afloat, lest she'll drown and lose everything she had fought for to that day. Darting her eyes around with only the flashes of lightning as the light, she no longer saw her horse flailing around for dear life. Grief quickly came upon her, but she refused to give up just yet. She tries to use her Arcana to bail her out, but due to her muddled and troubled mind, she couldn't gain the concentration needed to use her powers.

Up and down she was in the midst of the rushing waters. And from time to time she would swallow the fresh water that crashed against her face. The woman gasped for breath each time and flailed her arms around for something to grab on, but each time her effort was only proven futile and useless. Hope was leaving her quickly and the woman thought that it was the end of her as her energy soon diminished. But suddenly, at the bank of the river, she saw a hooded figure leaning towards her, and just as the lightning flashes, she sees an outstretched hand. Without a second thought she grabs for it, and the hand grabs hers as well and heaves her up from the rushing waters.

Coughing out water, the woman looks up at her rescuer, but before she could get a proper look at his face, she soon found everything turn black.

Flames of fire danced around the surface, like those beautiful women of Gypsy lineage with their graceful dance moves. Twirling around with their skirts, they flashed seductive looks with warm grins on their faces. And in the midst of the burning embers, their nimble feet danced about. The coals were glowing orange and they emitted warmth. Its sound of kindling substance crackled almost like those of a firecracker.

Fluttering her eyes open, the woman groans a little and gets up as she rubs her head. Her violet eyes carefully examine her surroundings until they fell on an old Gypsy woman who sat by the fire. She wore a beautifully patterned skirt and a white blouse. Bangles jingled on her wrists, similar to her earrings. She wore a shawl as well, colorful like the rainbow. The woman suddenly turns to Angelica, revealing a kind face. Recognizing who it was, her eyes widen with surprise.

"Jaelle??" the woman exclaimed.

Chuckling heartily, the old woman gets up and walks over to the baffled woman, who was filled with wonder and bewilderment. Tears were brimming on both women's eyes as they threw their arms around each other. The old woman embraced the younger one tightly who sobbed loudly. "Angelica. . it's alright, dear. It's alright" Jaelle cooed. "Everything's alright."

"You're alive! You're alive! I thought. . . I saw them kill you. ."

The old woman smiles fondly and breaks away from Angelica, looking into the woman's violet orbs saying, "You thought you saw me die. But I, too, have my own tricks up my sleeves. Who do you think your teacher is, Angelica?"

Smiling a little, Angelica hugs her companion again. "I'm. . . I'm so sorry. . because of me. . the whole caravan was massacred. I-"

"Angelica. What happened occurred three years ago was not your fault. Let's just say those men were. . desperate," says the old woman.

Clenching her fists, Angelica grits her teeth angrily, still feeling hot tears stream down her cheeks. "I. . I killed them all. . after I left Regalo, I looked for them and killed them all. ." she confessed.

"I see. How did you feel afterwards, my dear?" Jaelle gently asks while holding her student's shoulder.

The younger woman hangs her head in shame, feeling a twinge of guilt in her heart. Her fingers were laced together tightly, wet with tears.

"Empty."

"Why?"

"I knew revenge couldn't reverse what had happened that night. . but. . I couldn't bear the idea of leaving those bastards alone for what they have done!" seethed Angelica, her expression dark with hatred. "They killed everyone! Even the children were shown no mercy! If I knew they would not have left you guys alone I would have gladly handed myself over to them knowing that you will be safe."

Placing her arm around Angelica's shoulder, the old Gypsy woman pulls the girl close to her while rubbing the woman's shoulder reassuringly. "Angelica. I believe I've told you before that people are like the seasons. There's a day when meet them and we form memories with them, but when winter comes, they're gone. This is how life works. Even though we fortunetellers can predict the distant future, we can't change it because we only see the picture. I confess, I foresaw my family's deaths. But I knew it was impossible to change the future."

"No. It is possible," countered the violet-eyed, suddenly standing up. "Fate doesn't control our destinies! We do! With the choices we make, we create our future!"

For a moment Jaelle looks at Angelica with a surprised look on her face. After a moment of silence, she broke into a laugh, which this time surprised the other woman. Getting up shortly after, Jaelle gives her student a tight hug. "You've really grown up, my dear. You will have a dangerous journey ahead of you."

"I'm already aware of that, Jaelle."

"Then promise me you'll take care, alright?"

"I will do my best."

* * * * * * *

The scratching sound of a scribbling pen filled the room of silence. With the window open, the light of day illuminating the room with the assistance of indoor lamps. Piles of paper were placed on the desk where Mondo was seated by. His face kept a stoic demeanor, keeping a steady pace in checking all the documents. However, his anxiety and impatience were written all over his face, and beside him was an open letter with neat, elegant words written on it. Obviously it was handwritten by a woman, but the way it was written was starting stir his curiosity. He wasn't the Papa for nothing.

Taking out his pipe from his breast pocket, the man takes out a match from his drawer and lights it up. Placing the burning flame into the chamber (the bowl-like part) of his pipe, smoke began to float up to heaven, the smell of tobacco permeating the room. Suddenly, a gentle breeze tustles his wavy auburn locks that were pushed back.

The man sighs as he continued his desk work, never having thought that it would be that handful and boring. He wished that his wife could assist him, but the woman declined with a sly smile on her lips. As always the Famiglia's official fortuneteller kept away from desk work as much as possible and communicated with the woman on her way back to Regalo. Speaking of that woman, thoughts about her suddenly flashed in his mind, furrowing his eyebrows.

The new letter she had sent indicated that the journey would be longer than she had told him earlier on, extending to nearly a month. She seemed pretty cheerful and excited in the letter, even to the part that told of a warning. "Keep a cautious eye on Tarocchini,"  was what she said, but nothing more. The man wondered what it was about. Mondo wished to reply, however, as always, Angelica knew what he would say and told him not to; she will be walking on foot and will be avoiding busy places if possible. Again, Mondo was baffled.

A knock on his door interrupts his thoughts, making the man jerk his head up. "Come in," he says with a kind voice.

Peeping inside, Dante strides in with an excited smile on his face. "Ah! Mondo, I have exciting news!" he exclaimed.

The auburn-haired man smiles. "What is it that's exciting?" he asks.

"The circus that informed us of a visitation just arrived today," the tall man replies. "And a performer came as a representative of Tarocchini."

"Tarocchini! Just as Angelica said!" thought a stunned Mondo. Keeping his calm demeanor, the man smiles as a good-looking young man walks in.

He was tall in height with a fair skin tone. Muscular he was as well, his biceps bulging out of his white shirt. His fiery orange hair was tied into a ponytail, matching his sly smile. His green eyes sparkled with cunningness and tricks. Walking to the front of the desk where Dante ushered him towards to, the strange man talks a polite bow.

"Greetings, your grace," the man greeted cordially. "My name is Giovanni, a member of the circus act, Tarocchini. It is an honor to be in your presence."

"My, my," chuckled Mondo. "Welcome to Regalo. I hope you find this simple town satisfying."

"It is, it is. So many lively people. And it appeared they trust your security very much."

Hearing this, Mondo bursts into laughter. "I believe its due to my men's capabilities of protecting this island that we are able to earn the townspeople's trust."

The young flashes a toothy grin, displaying his amusement. It made Mondo uneasy though, wondering what the young woman had meant in the letter. He wished she gave more details about it. As far as the man knew, Giovanni seemed pretty decent. Although he had a flirtatious vibe around him.

"That's good to hear from a self-proclaimed government," cooed Giovanni. "I hope to see how your men works. But hilariously we encountered a stiff young lad with a Giaponese sword. He threatened one of our boys because he looked suspicious from a simple trick."

"That would be Nova," Dante intervened. "We apologize for his rudeness.$

"No need for an apology! It was fun talking to him."

Cocking his eyebrow with a grin on his face, Mondo asks, "Fun?" while exhaling a puff of smoke.

"Of course! I've never seen such a serious guy as he is, not that it's bad to be serious, but he should loosen up a little," Giovanni replies. "Well, other than that, the people here are quite friendly! Certainly my type!"

The older man bursts into laughter, amused with the young lad before him who simply grinned.

"I see, I see. So how long will you remain here in Regalo?" asks Mondo, letting out a puff of smoke.

"A month. We'll hold a show every Sunday because we'll be practicing for six days each. That's how we usually do business," replied a cheerful Giovanni.

Hearing that, the head of the Famiglia chats with him for a few more moments before Giovanni finally took his leave with a friendly wave of goodbye. Dante has one of the maids send him out, wanting a talk alone with his friend. Mondo seemed to need it as well, seeing the solemn look on his face, his fingers intertwined under his chin. His eyes were deep in thought, completely overtaken with something so unexpected.

The head executive wondered what was in Mondo's mind, and before he could ask a knock interrupts his chance, later revealing a bored Jolly with a cigarette stuck between his teeth. His shades his away his violet orbs, but his sly grin soon curled on his lips when he found a flustered Mondo. Jolly had never seen his friend in such a state, finding it rather amusing. His eyes then dart at Dante, who looked at him cynically. The newly arrived man just smiles and made his way to their boss's desk.

"So what seems to be the trouble, Mondo?" he asks.

Without a word, the auburn-haired man hands him the letter Angelica last sent. Reading its contents made Jolly smirk in amusement before he handed it back to Mondo. Letting out a puff of smoke, the mysterious man remarks, "So she decided to extend the length? How amusing," while holding back a chuckle as he passed it to Dante.

Dante stiffens as he read. "Is it possible for her to train those boys for only a month? It took us years to master."

"I don't know," replied the tired man. "Have Luciano sent here. I need to talk to the lad."

"Are you gonna. . . ?"

"Yes. Please send him here immediately."

* * * * * * * *

On the ground, the captured man glared at the woman who towered over him, a sly smile on her lips. He was bound with chains cast by the tall, silent man. They were not ordinary chains whatsoever, they were magical chains from the Arcana Enzo bore contract with. The holder was pretty much surprised and stunned with his new discovery. And seeing the proud look on Angelica's face made his heart thump. His friends, while they were chasing after the man earlier, felt their Arcanas awake. It excited them.

Jahan didn't feel so bad despite having no contract with a card. His mastery of his native martial arts made up for his handicap. When they had returned with their prey, their teacher wore a broad smile, though they all suspected that is was for Enzo with his newfound abilities. They had no proof of that though; she praised all of them.

All around, bystanders watched curiously, some had scorn in their eyes. Several were simple townsfolk, the women held baskets filled with vegetables and other food, while thshouldersd the heavy weight of a sack on their shoulder. They wondered who the fortuneteller think she is. Surprised they were to see them do her will without a single complaint, making them suspect that she probably seduced them or something similar to that. Their eyes looked at the woman suspiciously, but Angelica paid no heed to their exaggerated deductions.

Children who were close by, peered curiously. But their mothers quickly pull them away from the sight of violence in their midst. Constables stood close by as well, but they didn't come near when Angelica turns her gaze to them. It was stern and for some reason, they felt an aura not just around her, but with the rest of the group with her.

"If you don't mind, could you tell these people to leave? This is somewhat private and for our ears only," says Angelica, looking at them with a bight smile.

The constables don't know why and how, but they found themselves doing just as she asked. With the crowd dispersed, the fortuneteller bends to her knees and faces their attacker. With an emotionless face, she asks, "So. Who sent you here? I'm sure by now you're aware that your boss simply sent you here to test our patience and strength."

The man keeps silent, simply gritting his teeth in anger.

Sighing, Angelica pushes away her bangs that veiled her right eye, making her companions amazed to see her full face features. Immediately they were captivated by her face, making her chuckle. "Never seen a pretty face before, gentlemen?"

"Not only are you overconfident, you're quite the narcissist as well," remarked a flustered Abelle, pushing back his glasses.

"I'm just teasing you!" the woman retorts. "Going back, watch  carefully and see what you could absorb and learn. La confessione del peccatore!"

With those words, her right eye, bearing the mark of one of her Arcana, glowed brightly and a light illuminate on her palm. Before the man could do anything, Angelica pressed her hand against his forehead. The man screamed loudly and his eyes bulged out from the intense pain the woman inflicted upon him and before long, he started confessing.

"My master's name is Il Titolare Della Carta," he confessed in a monotone voice.

"What are your plans? Who are you?" Angelica continued to ask.

"Our plans are to destroy the Arcana Famiglia and take control of the cards."

"I asked who you are."

"We are. . the new generation of Aracana holders!"

Hearing this, Angelica's eyes furrowed, and so did her companions. Azad was the one seemed most disturbed, and the woman was quick to notice it. Abelle and Pietro were flustered as well. Troubled looks distorted their faces. However, Alfieri and Enzo were able to keep their cool and simply watched over Angelica as she went on with more questions. Time slipped by as the interrogation lagged on. At some point the fortuneteller would take a pause, tired from exhaustion.

"You should stop now," says Alfieri, taking hold of her shoulder.

"I agree with him," adds Enzo. "You're overexerting yourself."

Frowning, the woman calmly replied, "This man. . . he's been lying this whole time."

"What??"

She nods. "For some reason, he's been able to lie," she explains, suddenly shaking, alarming the men. "H-How's that possible??"

An eerie laughter bursts out of the captured man's, resembling those like a marionette. He no longer seemed to have any life in him, and everyone close by were horrified to hear his laughter. Despite being tied in an awkward position, he managed to stand up, but not without breaking his bones to break from the chains. His bones cracked and ripped, tearing through his flesh as his audience looked at him in utter horror.

With a wide eerie grin, the man tells them in a whispery tone, "You've played into the Joker's play."

Angered, Angelica drew put her daggers to hurl at him, but fire suddenly burst around him, engulfing him in flames. And his laughter echoed throughout the town as people trembled in fear. Soon the fire diminished, leaving the man's burnt corpse. It was later picked up and buried by the town's men to be buried at the graveyard. The constables quickly left after the entre scenario, having made up their mind not to interfere with the fortuneteller and her companions. Thy knew that prior to the gruesome death of the man, nothing good would come from dealing with them.

Left by the street, the men watched Angelica in silence as she mulled over what had happened. It was quite a surprise, and if they would be honest, they barely understood what Angelica was asking the man. And to realize that she could distinguish a lie from the truth, fear gripped on their shoulders.

Clenching his fists, Pietro approached the silent woman. "M-Miss Angelica! Let's no be discouraged here! It was indeed surprising that he managed to lie like that, but our journey has only begun, right? We'll nab them next time."

He expected to see the mysterious fortuneteller upset, but when she turned to face them, an amused smile was curled on her lips. It didn't surprise them, rather they were relieved to see her in that state. Her bangs were back to their original place, hiding away her violet right eye. From what the men had seen, one Arcana, belonging to the fortuneteller, was seen in action. And the mark was on her eye.

Seeing their curious faces, Angelica turn to them and smiles warmly. "Well. . . I guess we'll be having quite an exciting trip back to Regalo. What do you boys think?" she asks with a sly look in her eye.

"This is going to be fun," replied Alfieri.

"Hmph. I'm not surprised," says Abelle, pushing back his glasses.

"I guess I'm excited," was the only thing Pietro could muster.

"Looking forward to this journey with that you," says Azad, followed by Jahan's approval.

Then lastly, Enzo, who looked at the woman with determined eyes. "I'll protect you, no matter what."

Amused, Angelica chuckles. "Good luck with that. And I'm looking forward to teaching you the ways of an Arcana holder. This won't be easy, just as we have seen, but. . . that's what exciting, right?"

With a sly grin, she turns to the road with her companions right behind her.

~~~

Word count: 3989

Hello guys! Thank you so much for reading this book, I really appreciate it. Just so you know, I entered in a Kuroko no Basket Watty Awards with my book, Stargazer. I would really appreciate it if you vote for me! Also, if you think the title and cover or whatever is decent, don't hesitate to vote for me~!! And one other thing, the @DLWattyAwards starts tomorrow, so if you're interested to join, please don't hesitate or do so!

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