Chapter Text
CHAPTER 1: LAND HO!
A large wooden ship sailed toward the small island of Regalo.
Regalo was a fair sized piece of land that coasted not too far from Italy, which explained the main dialect, Italian.
The island itself belonged to the people, but was governed mainly by the Arcana famiglia, a mafia group that protected the island from foreign and domestic threats alike.
The land was cultivated by the humble residents to maintain the island's beautiful aesthetics.
Standing at the bow of his ship stood the captain, taking in the view.
Dante, the captain himself, was an intimidating man who stood at 6'10. His broad figure and the stigma etched on the side of his head didn't help him look any friendlier.
Dante was musing about how much he loved the sea again. He loved the smell of saltwater and whatever scent rode on the ocean breeze. There was nothing more appealing to him than miles and miles of sparkling royal blue water.
Today however, the old captain would be docking the Island of Regalo after nearly two and a half years of being abroad. Most that time of was spent in North America trying to recruit new members for the Arcana famiglia and retrieving trade from other countries.
The ship slowly came to a stop near the dock of Regalo. Dante ordered his crew to lower the gangplank and unload cargo.
If everybody pulled their weight, all shipment would be finished in a couple of hours; plenty of time to prepare for the Arcana feast scheduled later today. Dante thought hopefully.
The captain had sent a messenger pigeon several days prior to his arrival to inform the Don of the Arcana famiglia that he would be arriving in time for the feast.
"Captain! Liberta has done it again.." A timid voice interrupted Dante from his thoughts.
Dante looked over to acknowledge a new addition to his crew, a subordinate named Jack.
The captain sighed irritably. "Again?!"
"Y-Yes sir." Jack nodded nervously.
The new recruit wasn't used to Dante's outbursts when his young charge, Liberta, decided to act out.
Dante was the right hand man of Mondo himself. The executive cheif to the Don of the Arcana famiglia- one of the most highest ranking and influential famiglia of the Mafia world. Dante was a very respectable member of the famiglia and feared by most.
That didn't stop Liberta from ignoring his direct orders on a constant basis.
Had it been anyone else Dante would have put them in their place. Liberta was a wild card, and most of the crew had come to accept that.
"I want all cargo off the ship before sunset." Dante ordered in mild irratation. "Today is an important day for the Arcana famiglia. It is Mondo's sixtieth birthday, along with his daughter's initiation."
"Yes of course, sir." Agreed his subordinate respectfully.
Before leaving, Dante added over his shoulder; "You're in charge for the meantime."
Jack gave a quick nod of understanding and a salute.
"Yes sir."
"Now to go find Liberta.." Dante muttered to himself, heading toward the Arcana mansion. It was his best guess to where Liberta had sauntered off to.
He cut through a popular market place hoping to catch a glimpse of the wandering blonde. Nothing was out of the ordinary, just merchants selling everyday items to the residents of Regalo.
"My, My. Look who it is." A smooth baritone spoke, catching Dante's attention.
The old captain bristled. he'd recognize that sickenly velvet tone of voice anywhere.
"Jolly...what a surprise to see you in broad daylight." Dante all but scoffed. It was very unusual to see the scientist outside of his comfort area.
Jolly curled his upper lip in distaste but ignored the jab.
"Liberta passed by not too long ago. Could you by any chance be looking for him?"
The sun caught Jolly's shades at an angle, giving them a wicked glint. The alchemist smirked darkly.
If looks could kill Jolly would be a smoldering smudge on the ground.
"Where is he, Jolly?" Dante grilled.
Jolly gave a nonchalant shrug, ignoring Dante as he advanced to loom over him, glaring vehemently.
Residents of Regalo were starting to stare.
"Stop making a scene. You're acting as if I shoved him into a test tube." Jolly jeered.
"For your sake I hope you didn't." Dante let the threat hang in the air before he realized he was indeed making a scene. Given Jolly's past he wasn't taking any chances, however.
He took a small step back before taking a more direct approach.
"Do you know where Liberta is or not?"
"Hm-"
BOOM.
A loud blast reverberated throughout the island of Regalo.
"What was that?!" A pedestrian cried.
"Oh my.." Murmured another.
"Oh calm down. The Arcana famiglia will handle it, just like always." A senior resident of Regalo assured offhandedly.
Several more murmurs throughout the crowd were spoken but Dante hadn't heard them. He had already ran off in search of Liberta, leaving Jolly to his own devices.