"Will the boy be alright?" Asks the cloaked man as he watches one of the Arcana Famiglia members tend to the unconscious boy. He stood beside a doctor who wore a tuxedo with a red cross symbol on a band wrapped around his arm.

He has been tending to the boy since the two had arrived at the mansion. His hair was of violet color with emerald eyes. His height was average and so was his build. He had a fair complexion as well. SO far, he was proven to have a pleasant personality.

"Do not worry, sir." Replies the man as he finished wrapping the boy in bandages. "He'll be as good as new once he wakes up."

Earlier that noon, he witnessed the Arcana Famgilia take down the men, putting then in chains as they were dragged off to be interrogated. He and the blue-haired boy, who introduced himself as Nova, conversed of his reason of being there. His newfound friend suggested that he bring the matter to their leader (whom they call Papa) to deal with the matter. His horse, unfortunately, had died for it was shot straight into its chest. The loss weighed heavily on the man, who told them that she was his constant companion for a long time.

They brought him to their headquarters where the boy was being tended to. They hoped that he would wake soon so that his parents won't worry for too long to find their son or employee gone. Nova had some of the famiglia members stay guard at the stables to take over the boy's job for the moment while he was gone.

He hasn't seen their boss though, but an appointment has been made. The stranger noticed that they paid high respect for this man. He wondered why though. From his observation, he noticed that they regarded him with the highest respect they could give as if he was their savior. Or maybe their boss was a powerful man that they looked up to him. Perhaps he did save them from whatever problem they or he had such power, but either way the stranger became eager to see the famiglia head.

"How bad are his wounds?" He ask, worried.

The doctor examines the boy before replying. "Well, he just experienced some bruises and a slight bump on the head. Over all he's fine. Nothing to worry about."

The stranger gazes at the boy, who slept soundly, "I feel responsible for his injuries." He says, surprising his companion.

"Why would you say that?" The man asks.

"Those men wanted my horse and he defended it. That's why." He replies.

"That's understandable."

"But even so. It was my horse, he defended it, he got hurt for it." The blue-eyed man repeated.

"Don't blame yourself." Says the man. "What he did was courageous. Instead of feeling guilty, you should be proud of the boy."

"Perhaps." The stranger replies skeptically.

"And besides, we are partially responsible for what happened to the boy."

"Why?" He asks.

The Arcana member stood up and fixed his coat before turning to the cloaked stranger, "As Nove introduced us, we are the Arcana Famiglia. We protect this town of Regalo and control the finances, security, foreign affairs, intervention, and inspections."

"To be blunt about it," interjects the man, "The famigilia controls everything in this town?"

"Well. . . we fill in the responsibilities of a government here." The man rephrases what the stranger said.

"So, how are things coming along?" He asks.

His companion chuckles, "I can't inform a complete stranger of the affairs of this island. Let alone a traveler."

"I'm sorry to intrude." The stranger replies enthusiastically.

The doctor smiles, "But I am able to tell you at least that we are just about fine." He says.

"Good to hear." Remarks the man. "So when shall I be able to meet this 'Papa' you speak of?" He asks, walking towards the window and gazes at the town.

The doctor walks beside him and replies: "Tonight. After the feast they had prepared for you."

It was already mid-afternoon. A time when the sun starts to set. They sky was no longer clear, having countless cottons of cloud hover in the sky. Over all the weather was pleasant. At the town, the people were still busy with their businesses, visitors continued to purchase products. Amongst them a couple were standing worried by the stables. Several men explained to them what had happened but they remained unconvinced and insisted to see their son. The famiglia members were reluctant though (aware of Nova's instructions), but some decided that they should bring them to the headquarters to ensure of the couple's son's safety.

"Where is my son?!" Cried the man as he stomped through the mansion as he followed one of the men.

"Please remain calm, sir." He says calmly. "He is currently at the infirmary being tended to."

"Oh, God!" Cries the woman beside him. "Please tell us that Carlo is alright!"

"Ma'am, I can assure you that he is doing fine." Says the man as he continued walking towards the infirmary.

They quickly hastened their pace, and they reached the designated area before they knew it. The famiglia member opens the door, revealing the now conscious boy. His head was wrapped with a bandage and so were his arms. He was sitting on the bed, while chatting with the doctor and the customer whose horse he defended, but unfortunately died. The middle-aged woman runs to her son and embraces him tightly. He was somewhat surprised and his father suddenly embraced him as well before he could say anything else.

His mother pulls back a little, revealing that she had tears in her eyes, while his father patted him on the back. The boy just smiles and opens his mouth to tell his tale, the stranger interrupts him: "I'm sorry. It's my fault that he got injured." Says the stranger.

"What happened?" Asks the older man.

"Some men were trying to take my horse and he defended it-"

"Now, my man. It is part of our family's legacy to defend what has been brought into our care." He interrupts. "If it's anyone's fault it would be mine for leaving him to the job all by himself."

"But, sir-"

"No, buts. How's your horse?"

"They killed her." Interjects Carlo.

"What??"

"In the end I couldn't protect a customer's horse." Grumbled the teenager, guilt weighed on him.

"Hey, hey, it's fine." Reassures the stranger. "I could always buy a new one. No biggy."

"It is." He insists. "If there's one thing I know it is the friendship between the horse and its rider. If you didn't care about your mare you would've left her in my care without making sure that she was safe, but you patted her and even told her that you'd come back." The boy explains. "I've cared for the stables for five years now so I've seen riders come and go to the stables."

"Carlo's right." Says the boy's father. "It's like losing your best friend. We'll pay for your loss-"

"There's no need." Interrupts the stranger, putting his hand up. "The well-being of the boy is enough for me." He says, beaming at the young lad.

"Then we thank you, sir. . ?"

"My name is Romeo."

********

Music filled the ballroom as laughter erupted from time to time. Shining chandeliers hung on the ceilings as adorned glass reflected light. Food was prepared for the merrymakers and they enjoyed the delicious meals prepared for them. The sweet aroma lingered in the room, making the men's mouth water. Some members drank delicious wine while they waited for Papa, others ate some sweets made by their beloved cooks.

The moon shone its glow that penetrates through the glass. Stars twinkled across the night sky. Unknown to the members, a rain of shooting stars flew across the sky, their light reflects on bodies of water, creating beautiful images with a few witnesses gasping in awe of their beauty. This phenomenon happens rarely, making it special. Children who stared at the sky immediately started to wish upon the shooting stars as it was said to grant wishes.

At the port, a certain pink haired girl prepared her bed to sleep. She was combing her smooth, wavy, pink hair as she stared outside of her window. The girl donned on a white sleeping gown. Beside her was her dresser with her cosmetics. A book lay open with a red rose as its bookmark. Her eyes twinkled as she remembered her friend who disappeared again from her life after one final goodbye. She recalls a memorable time they had together at the dreaded prostitution house.

It was a cool night when the stars were twinkling the same way they were at this time. But she remembers that when she was with Angelica, the stars shone brighter than diamonds.

Angelica stretches out her hand towards the sky as if she reached for them, "What are you doing, An?" Cecily asks.

"I'm reaching for the stars."

"You can never reach them." She chuckled.

"Yes, you can." Angelica insists gently. "You just think that they're too far away from your grasp that you never know that they're just within your fingertips."

The pink-haired girl places her fists on her hips, "Are you trying to tell me something here?" She asks in disbelief.

Angelica smiles brightly as her eyes reflected the stars, "Perhaps. Sometimes we think that hope is too far away like the stars, but if we just reach out. . . we'll soon know that it's near."

Cecily chuckles at the memory as she combs her long locks. "Where have you gone? An?"

Walking along the ballroom, Romeo glances at his surroundings. He no longer wore his cloak on him, but retained his native outfit. It deferred from the local fashion in Regalo that only emphasized his being foreign. Suddenly his ocean blue eyes caught sight of a familiar face in the crowds: Nova. He walks up to the boy and greets him cordially:

"Good evening."

"The same for you." Replied the boy.

He was along some other Arcana Famiglia members with three he recognized from the restaurant earlier that noon. But two faces he didn't recognized. One was an average height blonde with spiky hair. His eyes were colored turquoise and had peach colored skin as well. He had the same black suit as the other, but had a loose red tie around his neck. He also noticed that his left ear had two piercings; machete was placed by his side. A pretty redhead stood beside him. Her hair was long and was tied into two pigtails with black ribbons and her eyes were bright green in color. She also wore a similar outfit as the others.

"Let me introduce you." Nova says suddenly. "This is Liberta." He gestures to the blonde. "And this is Felicita, his fiance. The silver-haired man over there is Debito. And the bespectacled one is Pace. Then lastly, Luca. And guys-" He now gestures to the blue-eyed man. "-this is Romeo." The six new acquaintances greeted him in turn, asking him about his stay and everything else he had experienced.

"It's alright." He replies. "The people here are pleasant and honest."

"That's great to hear, my friend!" Exclaims Liberta.

"So what brings you here?" Asks Felicita. "Papa mentioned that we'd be having a visitor, but not why and whatsoever."

Romeo clears his throat, "Well, I have been searching for my sister." He replies. "She's been gone for almost more than seven years."

"Wow. That's been quite a while." Remarks Pace, looking surprised.

"Yes. And now Father has come home. He was furious to find her gone."

"Why is she gone?" Asked Debito. "Could she have run away with her lover, perhaps?" He asks, flashing a mischievous grin.

"She ran away from home after she found out that Father died, but a few months ago he came home." He replies calmly.

"Who would tell her that her Father died?" Asked a confused Luca. "Doesn't make any sense to me."

"We were told by a messenger." Romeo explains. "But even until now, I don't understand."

"So now you are looking for her?" Asks Liberta.

"Yes."

"Don't worry! We'll find her. You'll see." Felicita tells him reassuringly. "Everything will work out somehow." She quotes, suddenly making the other men's eyes widen in surprise.

"Saying quotes now, Bambina?" Teased Debito. "I only knew one woman who would do such a thing."

"Woman?" Asks a confused Romeo. "Who is this that you speak of?"

Felicita smiles, "One of our members, Angelica."

Before Romeo could reply, shouts off joy filled the air, followed by cheers of adoration. Romeo follows his six newfound friends as they wormed their way to the front where Papa was heading to. They soon reached there successfully. The blue-eyed man saw their leader who had the same red hair as Felicita, immediately assuming that he was her father. Beside him was a beautiful woman who resembled the redhead girl. The couple was smiling and the cheering stopped when their leader raised his hand.

"Tonight, we honor a guest who came here to our beloved town of Regalo." Booms the man. "Let us welcome him!" The crowd immediately applauses politely until the leader raises his hand again. "It is a pity though. . . I could've offered him a place here and see if one of the remaining eight Taroccos would have him as their contractor. But unfortunately, you are aware that they are currently in the hands of Angelica who is also searching for contractors."

"What is he talking about?" Romeo whispers to Nova who stood close by.

"I'm sure that you have heard of the Arcana cards?" The boy asks.

"Those fortunetelling cards?"

"Yes." Replies Nova. "But the cards Papa is talking about are not ordinary. They wield magnificent power that we still have not completely comprehended yet. The people I introduced to you are all contractors. I made a contract with La Morte (Death), the thirteenth card. The blonde, Liberta, made a deal with Il Matto (The Fool), the twenty-secondth card or card zero. Pace with La Forza (Strength), the eight card, Debito made a contract with L'Ermita (The Hermit), the ninth card. Luca is the contractor of La Temperanza (Temperence), the fourteenth card. Felicita, however, is special; having contracted with two cards: Gli Amanti (The Lovers), numbered sixth in the Arcana, and the Wheel of Fortune, the tenth card."

"How do you make contracts with these cards?" Asks a curious Romeo.

Nova sighs, "To be honest, I know no such information."

"Then how are you able to make contracts if you are unaware of methods?"

"It's still a mystery."

********

It rained heavily, raindrops noisily pounding on the tiled roofs. Windows were covered with curtains from the inside, but the light was still able to penetrate through. It was already late in the night when a cloaked man trudged along the streets as he passed by inns, only to be turned away when innkeepers inform him that they were already full. He sighs as he watches each door close on his face.

Lightning suddenly flash across the dark sky, shining some light on his face. Passing by a shop he peeks inside the window. A monkey suddenly screams at his face, startling him. His ears hear a melodious voice scold the monkey:

"Shandor! Who are you screaming at now??" She asks.

A beautiful face emerges when the woman pushes aside the curtain. She had wavy, somewhat long, jet-black hair. Her bangs covered her right eye. Looking into her apparent eye, he realizes that they were dark violet, gleaming in the darkness. She was pale skinned with a beauty mark near her left eye. Even if she had her face and upper body shone, the man knew that she had a slender build. The woman wore a white off shoulder blouse. Her slender neck and chest was exposed, making the man wonder if she was a gypsy. Her ears were adorned with piercings and a brightly colored feather hung on her right ear.

Her violet orbs soon met his scarlet ones and a worried look quickly came upon her. She hurries to the door, opening it to him, "Sir, please come inside! It's raining heavily!"

Without a second thought, he accepted her offer and huddled inside as she gestured him the way, shutting the door right after.

~~~

YAY!! I finally updated!!

So, how was the chapter? Good? Okay? Nice? Please comment!!

Love you all!!

-Raita