"So it seems that the circus is hiding more than what they have to say," Mondo's voice boomed through the crack of the door.

"Yes," Nova's voice replied. "From their conversation, it appeared that they knew Romeo as well. That chap whom we took in after he defended his horse if you don't remember."

"Papa, it also seemed that they were working for a woman named 'Lady Annabelle' as they would call her," Felicita's voice joins in. "And just like what Romeo wanted, this woman apparently was looking for 'a missing stepsister'. Brothers were also mentioned."

Suddenly the doors threw open, surprising the three. But it turned out that they weren't the only ones in the chamber. The rest of the members of the Tarocco also were in the presence of their leader, Mondo. They all had serious looks on their faces, their hands either in their pockets or crossed across their abdomen. The scent of cigarette permeated across the room since there was more than one smoker, but the famous, beautiful Madame Butterfly didn't allow the small trivial matter annoy her. But the news of their newfound enemy distressed her.

"Do you all care to divulge to me of the latest news?" her melodious voice charms their ears.

Their eyes were already turned to her the moment she had stepped into the room. She still donned on her usual set of clothes: a revealing kimono with a pair of combat boots. Her smirk was more forced into the very corners of her mouth. But it was forced and there was no sign of sarcasm nor jest. She was merely trying to lighten the situation. However, since it had no effect of lightening the mood, her smile turned upside down.

"Alright fine, jokes aside. If you have not yet realized it, Angelica is in danger," she told them seriously as she walked towards her husband's side. "I've just received a prophecy the other day that the eyes to her soul will be destroyed. You must send help as once!"

"What??" everyone cries.

Mondo nods. "I didn't expect them to return here unscathed to be honest. I haven't been feeling sick lately, it's almost as if I've been healed. But,"—he raises his arm up and rolls up his sleeve, revealing a mark that appeared like a stigmata and it glowed vibrantly—"I will have to confess now: this mark indicates whether Angelica is in pain right now. You all already know that Angelica has willingly connected herself to me and I wouldn't be surprised if all the recruits had one. She's planning to connect with all the members of the Arcana famiglia because the Arcana has chosen her as their emissary and representative.

"Among all of us, she had mastered the Arcana in only less than a year. Don't you find it rather strange? Not only that, she already long had the ability to see the future—to see the fortune and misfortune of others. It is a natural thing that her eyes are among the keys to her abilities. Unless it was just my assumption, the enemy are well aware that her eyes are her greatest weapon."

"Putting her greatest greatest weapon aside," Dante intervenes, frowning as he smoked his cigar. "What should we do with the circus group? Who knows how long they will be staying here? Are we going to observe their activities until when they will be staying here. If they find out that Felicita and Nova are members of the Arcana Famiglia then they might not have any choice but to leave before we started apprehending members."

Mondo nods. "That is a fairly good point, but I don't think they would leave too soon just because Nova and Felicita are part of the famiglia. Who knows? If they have intentions of remaining here for a certain period of time, they might even walk to our front door and apologize."

"Whether they would do that or not, it is too dangerous. We do not know what they may do next. If they're the fake Arcanas Angelica spoke about, then it would be like allowing the enemies into our territory," Dante insisted.

"I know that it is all true. There are many possibilities as to what they may plan next. But at this point, I don't want to do anything without consulting Angelica," the leader told them, even though he knew it might offend his wife.

Everyone stiffened at those words. But Mondo's dearest Madame Butterfly did not seem the least offended. "I gave to agree with Mondo," she said with a smile. "After everything that has happened, it seemed that Angelica has surpassed my skills of fortunetelling."

"Everyone," boomed Mondo. "When Angelica returns, I will be appointing her as Head Adviser of the entire Arcana famiglia. As the Arcana's chosen emissary, she will become our mediator and teach us to master the Arcana. Any objections?"

Jolly raises his hand. "Why are we suddenly appointing her such a position. I'm already your righthand man and Dante is the Head Director. And even if she is skilled with fortunetelling, don't you have Mama for that already?"

Mondo moves to reply, but he felt his wife's hand land gently on his shoulder and a kiss suddenly was planted on his cheek. "Because she was destined to carry the responsibility. She was destined for this."

Felicita cringes at this. "But from the stories of her past, hasn't she suffered enough already?! Shouldn't we consider giving her a choice whether she wants this or not?? Shouldn't we worry about rescuing her first??"

"No offense, Bambina," the dark, lean, one-eyed man says as he comes forward. "If you still haven't realized it, Angelica is already suffering. The enemy has her now. Isn't that why that mark,"—he points at Mondo's arm—"is glowing brightly isn't' it?"

Standing by the corner, Jolly smirks. "It seems like your brain has finally started becoming sharper, Debito," he sneered.

"Shut up," the man spat.

"Now, now, Debito," Luca soothed. "During these times, we will have to keep our heads clear."

The bespectacled man in the room nods. "Agreed," said Pace with his arms crossed.

"It seems like your friends understood our situation as well," snickered Jolly, but he quickly became serious. "Now that we know that Mondo was telling the truth of that fortuneteller actuating webbing us all together. But Mondo,"—he turns to the old man—"If Angelica feels your pain, shouldn't you feel hers as well?"

Mondo shook his head, feeling guilty. "Apparently Angelica only made this contract one-sided. In other words, she will be the only one carrying the burden."

"No!" Felicita's voice screamed. Her face was facing the ground with her hands clenched tightly "We cannot let Angelica fight alone! I don't know if leaving her alone is also involved with what happened five months ago, nor do I know why Angelica is trying so hard! I don't know if she's doing this to compensate for whatever she has done! If it was for last time, please put it aside! She's already had enough happening with her life! Besides we became part of the Arcana famiglia long before she did! If we won't work as hard as she is—a member who only became part of this for less than a year—then we would all be a disgrace to the Arcana!"

Tears had already started to roll down her cheeks, and the girl sobbed loudly, probably either feeling sympathy or remorse. No one could possibly know exactly why. But whether it was either of the two possibilities, everyone else also started to feel the same. And Debito, the only one who had grown to hate the fortuneteller among the entire Barocco, could not help but feel guilty. He remembered badmouthing her at one of the cafes in Regalo. He remembered Pace and Luca defending her. He remembered Jolly intervening. Gritting his teeth, the man wondered why he even began to hate Angelica.

Was it her smile?

Was it the fact that he couldn't even identify whether it was fake or not?

That he couldn't tell between a mask or a genuine smile?

Perhaps it was, but hearing about all this created a burning fire in his heart. He didn't know whether it was infatuation or friendship; he didn't have enough time to think about it because Mondo's booming voice interrupted his thoughts. And what he announced caused his jaw to drop.

"Luciano, once he returns from the North, shall embark to fetch them at Urlando," Mondo announces with his fingers laced together. "Liberta and Nova, you and your troops should greet him by the docks at sunset.

* * * * * * * *

"What do you mean they're worthless?!" yelled the Black Vixen, her hands trembling in fury. "It's gonna be the first time the town ever had seen one and you're saying it's worthless??"

The burly man sighs as he shook his head. "Look, Celestine, they may seem valuable to you, but not to the people here," he told her sternly. He looks at the box of cards disapprovingly as he examined the cards inside, but he quickly placed them back in and gave them back to the thief. "You could see these to some ragged fortuneteller on the streets. Maybe they might need new cards or something."

Celestine just snorted in disgust. Stuffing back the box into her parcel, she huffed away as she turned on her heels. The girl was in a busy market where people bartered so many objects and even animals. However, there were also people being sold as slaves. They reeked of blood and sweat, their eyes hollow with despair and hopelessness. Their iron shackles scrapped their tanned skin, making blood drip through the cuts. Sharp pain surged through the wounds, but the poor people could do nothing to clean nor mend them. The only thing they could do was endure the intensity.

Stalls were lined up in a parallel manner, but the items sold or bartered were nothing of the same kind. If they were, then there was a competition between the rivals. The owners would yell and holler at each other, but some were courteous and quiet, keeping only to themselves. The streets were dry, yet filthy, dirtied with scrap food, mud, or even blood that belonged to either animals or slaves. Pigs' squeals and clucking chickens intensified the noises of the crowd, and it irritated everyone more especially since they were under the heat of the noontime sun.

It irked Celestine, but she quickly shrugged off. She glared daggers at perverts and flirtatious bastards, giving them a cold shoulder. But when she's had more than enough, she would unsheathe her dagger and point the cursed blade to their throats, making them yowl in fear and shock. Then a devious smirk would curl on her lips. While she wasted her precious time in leisure, little did she know that it would be interrupted quite roughly. Because as she crossed the bridge that left the market, a sharp blade suddenly teased her skin. Instantly a frown crumpled the expression on her face but she had no choice than to consent to whatever her attacker has for her.

"You escaped one time, but you won't escape again," hissed Enzo, burning his red orbs at her.

Just as he said these words, the thief found herself surrounded, making her let out a loud, low groan. They all seemed focused now, having their blades left unsheathed in their hands; all were ready in fighting stances. The girl also noticed their party grew a member wider, seeing the white-robed assassin, which made her glare even harder.

"Am I gonna get hurt?" she asked darkly.

"Not if you obey whatever we tell you," replied Azad.

She scoffed. "Even Sasori's stupid assassin is here? Are you conspiring revenge on me for theft?"

"We just want the Arcana cards," the black-haired man told her sternly. "Once we get that back, we're finished with you and you're free to go."

"And we would want our money back," adds in Pietro, although he seemed a little unsettled. "Our female companion would most certainly not be pleased if she ever hears that we lost our money to a girl."

She cackled at this.

"This is what happens when you underestimate one of the opposite sex," she snarled. "Anyways, fine, you can have your cards back but I keep the money! Think of it as purchasing what was lost! Fair enough?"

"Fine," said Enzo without even a thought of a split second, horrifying his companions.

"Are you out of your mind?!" Abelle yelled angrily. "How will we keep up with no money as we travel to Regalo? Hm? Besides, I've had it through with stopping by the road while she plays fortuneteller! It's wasting time, and we shouldn't linger in this damned town!"

"I understand what you're trying to say, but we have to bargain at this point!" Enzo points out.

"It's not much of a bargain with her within gunpoint, maybe I should just pull the trigger and get this over with," he hissed as he pulls down the cock.

"Wait! Let's just talk this over with!" Pietro cried. "No one has to die!"

Connor just shrugs. "I honestly don't mind her dying though. One less mouse to deal with."

"I side with Enzo," announced Jahan. "I agree with Pietro that no one has to die, and we could just deal with this bargain fairly. It's logical that we get the cards back, whilst she gets the money as payment."

"Seems like the kid knows his stuff," chides Celestine, smirking at the prince.

"Shut it," snarled Abelle. Turning to Enzo he continues, "I don't know what you're thinking, but right now we should hurry and rescue that fortuneteller and Alfieri. Who knows what has been done to those two?"

"You're actually worried?" an astonished Pietro asks, his mouth agape.

The bespectacled man clicks his tongue. "Maybe I need to confess something."

Immediately tension weighed on the atmosphere. Everyone stiffened, feeling anxious as to what the man has to say. Shifting on their feet, the man awaited his confession; only Connor was fairly amused. Then, giving each of his companions a look in the eye, Abelle gave each man an aggressive, stern look. And it instantly made Enzo uncomfortable.

"Despite her being irritating at times, I want to ask Angelica to be my wife," he told them all calmly. "Before any of you starts objecting,"—he eyes Enzo—"I'd like to explain why. First off, it would seem impossible for me to fall for this kind of woman, and Pietro could vouch for this."

"You never told me you developed feelings for Miss Ann!" the blue-eyed man cried, feeling rather betrayed.

"I figured that you might bear the same feelings," Abelle pointed out, pushing back his glasses. He continued to explain that he refused to give up Angelica to anyone, especially Enzo who asked the woman to marry him even before they left Tiburio. He also acknowledged the fact that Alfieri may have been and known Angelica the longest among them, but again, he refused to back down. He also announced that once they take her back, he would propose to her.

Pietro then surged with anger, disbelieved that his childhood friend had kept a secret from him. He also told Abelle that even if they were in love with the same girl, he would never betray him. Although, he might still compete for her hand though. The rest kept silent, being so serious with the exception of Connor who only seemed to be amused by all this. They seemed anxious, worried, and even were surprised. They couldn't say anything to the arguing two, which seemed unusual for Enzo since he always seemed so open about his feelings.

However, Celestine's face was obviously annoyed. She couldn't believe what was happening and only wished to break free and escape. But putting their stupid love quarrel behind, she wondered why they wanted the old Arcana cards so badly. They appeared ancient which began to imprint on her mind as to why the man from the antique shop didn't want them. It irritated her to a massive extent that she began attempting to wriggle out of Enzo's arms.

"Let me go!" she shrieked.

"Not until you surrender the cards," Enzo told her sternly. "We need them then we could separate ways."

"Why do you need them?" she countered. "Who would need some old cards?"

"The same would go for you." Enzo pressed the blade harder against her neck. "Hand them over quickly and quietly, and no one will get hurt."

Clicking her tongue, she reluctantly ushers Jahan to inspect her bag. The boy nods his head and quickly took her bag. In the process, she tried to attack the prince, but like lightning, Enzo held her back. The boy places down the bag as he squats, taking one object after the other, horrifying Celestine. She yowls and shrieks as she tries to pry herself from Enzo. But the man was to strong for her and held her down like a nail and hammer.

By the time Jahan was finally finished, they had taken back all their money and whatever else was stolen from them, leaving her bag nearly empty. Celestine had given up fighting by then and just watched them in despair. "Are you finished?" she lets out a sigh, feeling beads of sweat roll down her forehead.

Before they could reply, they heard joyous screaming from the townspeople. And clusters of them ran off, as if some entertainment was about to begin. Men and women who donned on a fashion so luxurious rode on automobiles, all headed in one direction. The Arcana users could do nothing but stare at the spectacle. However, armed men immediately replaced them. They swarmed the streets, barging to every door, ransacking every store. The violent scene made the Arcana users wary, but they were quickly caught on.

But they weren't going for the men. Before anyone even noticed, Celestine was dragged away by the arms helplessly. The men only thought that perhaps she was caught as a thief, but what they heard was more horrifying than in mind: "She's one of the flowers Satori picked to be one of the competitors in the competition. I'm rooting for that blind woman."

"What? I'm sure she'll die first. Always smirking as if something good's about to happen."

* * * * * * * *

Water dripped from the filthy, damp ceilings, splattering on the poor prisoners below. They either whimpered or remained silent, saying nothing in complaint. No one spoke to each other either. They were too afraid as they continuously heard the agonizing cries of their fellow prisoners get slaughtered in the arena. Several cried their eyes out, but refused to utter a sound for fear they will be punished.

Suddenly, heavy footsteps echoed down the corridors, making the prisoners whirl their heads in attention. When they saw who it was, they slithered to the far side of their cells. Light illuminated all through out in a flash, and the prisoners quickly shut their eyes and hid their faces with an exception of one.

It was Angelica.

Her face was tear-stained and bloody; her eyes were blindfolded with cloth dipped in herds and medicinal plants. Its smell reeked the entire cell, so she was not bothered by anyone during her entire stay. She was seated on her legs, kneeling and facing the outer corridor where her companions dread. She was alone, and felt weak. Pain was surging through her whole body, making her tremble slightly.

"She's the one, sir," said a guard, making the woman twitch alertly. "The one whom they addressed as an 'Arcana user', but honestly I haven't seen her do anything but scream."

The voice she heard reply immediately made her blood run cold.

"She's quite a beauty!" a seemingly flirtatious, arrogant voice replied. "Just clean her up and she'll be the white lily in a murky pond! Or the finest rose in the garden of a palace!"

"U-Um, Sir Jean," the older man stammered nervously. "She's blind. They plucked out her eyes just last night."

"What?? And I was going to examine her if she was someone I knew! She awfully reminds me of my beautiful stepsister," the man swore. "Oh, nevermind. Father wouldn't want me bringing back his daughter without a pair of eyes."

"Father? Father is alive?" Angelica suddenly gasps.

Hearing the sound of her voice, the handsome man quickly ran towards her, sinking to his knees as he clutched the bars. His eyes trembled as he scrutinized the woman's face, staring at every detail of her appearance. Hesitantly he reached out towards her face, moving her bangs aside. In the process, he caressed her cheeks lovingly, feeling his heart melt inside of him. A satisfied look on his face curled on his lips, and he quickly tries to pull her towards him, but she refused to budge.

"When did Father return?" the woman asks, removing his hands from her face.

Jean stands down saddened. "He returned some months ago, it hasn't been a year since he returned."

"Is he well?"

"Yes. Only devastated to see you gone."

Angelica laughs at this. "I will not be returning home."

"What? Ari?"

"I will not return with you, Jean," she replied. "My destiny. . . is here."

"You're gonna die here! Rolf and Romeo have been looking everywhere for you!" he insisted.

"Do you not understand? This is a war, and apparently we're on different sides of the wall. We are not allies," she said.

"Wait, are you even actually a real Arcana user?If you're not, you'll be spared and set free!"

"What are you doing talking with that adamant woman?" a new voice sounded. "You sound like she's Arianna."

Angelica chuckles. "Arianna died the day her father died. I'm Angelica now."

~~~

Number of words: 3658