IS-7 What to be Forgotten

Sora, are you alright?

Yes, I'm fine.

Are you going after Texas?

When I saw her a minute ago, she told me to wait for her.

Let's hunker down until this mess blows over. It's total mayhem out there.

If you don't want to lose her, you're gonna wanna go after her.

Lappland...

......

I feel like it's the same with Lappland.

For people like her, there's no point trying to guess at what they're thinking. It's better to just accept what they say at face value.

Only if every word they say is true can you start to figure if they're ultimately trying to weave truths into a lie.

Why's that?

Well, do you know who it is waiting in that room?

Giovanna Rossati.

If there's anyone who could actually get Texas to come back to Siracusa...

It ain't me, or Bernardo. And it sure as hell isn't Signora Sicilia.

It's her, Giovanna.

Cellinia, you're a lot taller than you used to be.

Makes sense, doesn't it? It's been years.

By the way, I met some of your friends from Lungmen. Your name came up a few times, and from what they said, I can tell they're worried about you.

...I didn't think they'd come here.

You're nothing like them, at all. I never thought you'd make such lively, outgoing friends with that personality of yours.

You don't count?

If you really thought I was your friend, you wouldn't have gone so long without writing me.

......

Alright. I know you must be hiding something else.

What about you?

Me?

Nothing much.

The liquidation came too suddenly. None of Columbia's famiglie could sleep at night. I couldn't bear to see that any longer, so I stood up to take charge of the situation.

I opened up talks with Signora Sicilia, and we basically managed to sort things out.

That's all there is to it.

You make it sound so easy.

Honestly, I should be complaining to you.

But it's been too long since I've had anyone to confide in.

So that's why you poured your heart and soul into your scripts.

Haha, could you tell? 'La Morte di Texas' my magnum opus.

There were some details in it that only you'd know.

I guess that means my memory's pretty good then.

But, I could never decide on what to do with Act III, with your 'death.'

I guess there's no need to think about it anymore.

Hah.

Actually, becoming a playwright had another purpose. It's an open secret that Bernardo passed responsibility for the famiglia to his son, while he went on to become the artistic director of his troupe, Compagnia dell'alba.

I wanted a chance to meet him. You know, there aren't many mafiosi who would do something like that.

But the one who ended up shattering all expectations, was him.

I guess I should've expected it after all, from the man who built Famiglia Bellone into what it is in just a single generation.

By the looks of things, he really wants to challenge Signora Sicilia.

You don't seem worried about it.

All I can say is, if Bernardo considers you his trump card against the Rossatis, he's counting his fowlbeasts before they've hatched.

You were right to come to me, Cellinia.

No matter what's going on between you and the Bellones, I can help you.

Join me.

The two of us, together, will make a difference in Siracusa.

And not just because you're Salvadore's granddaughter.

Because I know you, Cellinia. You can make a difference.

We'll start over together, Cellinia.

......

Don't you want to know how I managed to survive?

Giovanna, it was no fluke that I survived the liquidation.

So you're here, standing on this stage, performing this play... How much do you know about what happened seven years ago?

Seven years ago... Texas's father, Giuseppe, murdered his own father, Salvadore, and declared that the Texases would no longer operate under Siracusa's control.

That upset Signora Sicilia, who sent an elite force from the Twelve Families to Columbia to 'liquidate' the Texas Family.

You were part of that, weren't you?

Look who's such a smarty.

At the time, Cellinia Texas was a star-studded name. She was Columbian, but even the Siracusans had nothing but wonderful things to say about her.

This whole time... you've been trying to beat Texas?

Beat her?

No, no, no.

Back when the Saluzzos were looking after her, we were pretty competitive.

Sometimes I'd win our little contests, sometimes I'd lose.

I did want to beat her, but that had nothing to do with what happened later.

Then...

You certainly do care deeply for her.

Unfortunately, that has nothing to do with the plot of the story either.

At least tell me what happened.

I joined in the liquidation.

I was fantasizing about how she would fight me to the death for the sake of her famiglia. It got my heart pounding and my blood racing.

But, nothing could've prepared me for what I saw that day.

You're a hitman too, aren't you, Danbrown?

I am.

......

Signorina Lavinia, seven years ago, I was part of the team that carried out the liquidation of Famiglia Texas.

I arrived in the city ahead of time, took up a job at a carwash, and secretly observed the Texases' every move.

Then, the team from Siracusa arrived.

And a group of Columbians found me.

Columbian mafiosi are pretty careless. Real full of themselves.

I could've dealt with them easy enough, if it wasn't for that one girl.

I knew her. She was a Texas, but everyone said she was like a Siracusan.

...Cellinia.

When I see you, I'm sometimes reminded of her.

Was she as stupid as me, rambling on about ideals with a murderer?

...No.

Signorina Lavinia.

I never meant to make fun of your ideals. It's just... I can barely believe it.

Hearing you talk about that stuff... it's like listening to a real pretty fairy tale.

To me, your ideals are so pretty, they're a kind of shortcut to get me a good night's sleep.

That day, I was ready to fight for my life.

I was convinced she would see right through me.

But...

She let me walk right by her, just like this.

The associates of Famiglia Texas were already pretty much wiped out.

But, what about Cellinia?

She was the only one missing.

We couldn't let anyone live to talk about what happened, especially not the eldest daughter. So, we all went to track her down.

And that was when chaos broke out.

The Texas mansion went up in flames, burning away the famiglia's very existence.

And the arsonist... was standing there at the front door.

Right in front of me.

She slowly turned and walked towards me.

At that moment, I understood.

She decided to stand by and watch the end of her own famiglia.

But who could blame her?

Her father murdered her grandfather, and didn't want to be an accomplice to that.

Only she had the right to blame herself.

But, there's more to it than that.

When I looked into her eyes, what I saw was—

Exhaustion.

Cellinia's story... is no secret to Famiglia Saluzzo, or to me.

After all, the one who led the Saluzzo team at the time was none other than Signorina Lappland.

She got kicked out because she went out on her own to hunt down Cellinia. Her men got caught up in a counterattack, and a lot of them died.

I...

Look at the bodies on the street, Lavinia. Listen to the shouts and cries in the distance.

What can you do?

The only advice I can give you is the same I gave to Cellinia.

Run.

The farther, the better.

Even if your past is going to catch up to you, you'll at least enjoy a moment of peace.

Otherwise— you will die.

But, I...

I still don't want to.

Her past kicked down her door.

It might've been against her will at first, but she was forced out only to find nothing changed—

Maybe she'll decide the things she ran away from weren't actually all that bad.

Her life in Lungmen... might've been a slightly extended vacation.

And now, the one most intimately connected with her family and her past... is standing right in front of her.

That's what you wanted to tell me, right?

Yeah.

If that's the case... I will respect her decision.

Even though you're her best friend?

Because I'm her best friend.

Darn tootin'.

Unless— the pizza in Siracusa becomes inedible.

My grandfather was a sentimental man. He sent me to Siracusa, hoping I would remember my roots.

I lived there for a while.

People there told me all the time that I fit in, like a Siracusan.

But for me, I was just doing what I'd always been doing.

The way I lived my life in Columbia was no different than the way I lived in Siracusa.

And what I saw in Siracusa was no different from what I saw in Columbia.

You might know the story of Famiglia Texas like the back of your hand, but I saw it with my own eyes.

Life isn't a play where every move is sprinkled with a little heroism or villainy. What happened was just an undignified slaughter.

My father bought a counterfeit gun from Blacksteel. When he pulled the trigger, it exploded and did a number on him.

My grandfather fell to the ground. My father drew his knife with his injured hand, but the first stab went wide.

I heard everything from the doorway. Hoarse curses, groans of pain...

The commotion lasted for a long time before it finally ended.

In that moment, I was exhausted. Exhausted with everything.

So I decided to leave.

Are you telling me that Lungmen is your home now?

I don't know. I can't say for sure.

But, I at least know I had a pretty good time there.

......

You're just like you were back then. Blunt, and straight to the point.

......

Looks like I'm the one getting ahead of myself.

Here I was thinking you came to ask for my help.

Or at least, you'd want to catch up with me.

But in the end, you're here to tell me... that we can never go back—

You know, Cellinia, that's awfully heartless of you.

I was shocked when I heard you were still alive.

But you went ahead and stamped out my hope, all over again.

I'm sorry, Giovanna.

I don't want to be Siracusan, or Columbian.

I just want to be Cellinia Texas.

This is your last chance.

If you walk through those doors, you'll be my enemy. The Rossatis' enemy.

You'll be in our way, and I, as Donna Rossati, have a responsibility to eliminate everything that stands in our way.

Don't make me do this.

......

We're just too sentimental, Giovanna.

The most unremarkable Dipartimento di Sicurezza Alimentare...

And its popular but underappreciated segretario.

At this point, men like Carracci, who were propped up to maintain balance between the major famiglie, are no longer needed.

What you need is a puppet that is safe and useful.

Am I wrong?

Signor Segretario, a truly safe and useful puppet would never refer to himself as such.

I just happen to be a bit more self-aware than others.

Haha. And mightily self-aware you are.

You're right, Rubio. You are the best candidate to replace Carracci.

But, if you're willing to be so frank with me, I might as well share something with you.

I'm listening.

My associates killed Carracci.

......

You've got guts, and I like talking with men like you.

So I'm willing to give you a chance.

Turn around and leave this room, forget what you just said, and no harm will come to you.

Then, go back home and spend some time with your wife and daughter. Savor the last moments of peace in this city.

Doesn't that mean you'd need a puppet like me all the more?

Hm?

You're after this chaos. What's happening all around us.

You want to overturn the law laid down by Signora Sicilia. But you don't care if she rules, or if we go back to the old ways.

The conflict among famiglie never had anything to do with us commoners.

When something happens, we just wait to see the result.

It makes no difference to the commoners whether Signora Sicilia rules, or you do.

But, the winner will need someone to maintain the facade of order.

As the don of a famiglia, surely you understand this principle—

It isn't impossible for the commoners to survive without the famiglie, but the same cannot be said for the famiglie without the commoners.

You're telling me that you hold the real power?

No. I'm making a self-serving justification for the weak.

A good justification at that.

But it doesn't tell me what you're really after.

Power, Don Bernardo.

Since I was a kid, everyone's looked down on me, because I'm weak. And I look like, you know, this.

The oppression I felt from the people around me was more real than anything the famiglie ever did.

I've suffered that my entire life, waiting for this chance.

You tell me you're one who had Carracci killed? All I can think is: thank goodness I came at the right time.

You may not want to hear this, but if you're going up against Signora Sicilia, it's probably not going to go your way.

But who cares? Doesn't matter to me if you win or lose, in the end—

But power is something Signora Sicilia can't give me. It's gotta be you.

You're an honest man, Rubio. I like making friends with honest men.

Hm?

Don Bernardo... (*whispers*)

......

Give my order. Tell them, that's enough for today.

Of course.

What just happened?!

That room over there... started shaking?

Looks like she chose you.

Huh?

That earthquake is Giovanna's Arts.

Sounds like they had a falling out.

Look, Texas jumped out the window. Let's go after her!

Right!

......

Ahh, Texas. If, and I mean if, we were friends back then... could I have kept you in Siracusa?

Hah, fat chance, right?

We would've just slaughtered each other.

Lavinia, don't make me... kill you.

I've got a job to do.

......

......

Signorina Lavinia, I pray that you aren't born in Siracusa the next time around.

Just a second.

Who are you?

You're one of Saluzzo's hitmen, right? This operation... is over.

Don Bernardo's orders, just in.

......

Lavinia, you shouldn't have shown your face here.

That's not up to you.

You've interfered with a Saluzzo operation. That's going to ruin the relationship between our two famiglie.

Haha...

So, why don't you go beg Alberto's forgiveness with my head on a silver platter?

......

Wait, please. Signor Bernardo... I mean, Don...

I have a presumptuous request.

Hm?

I imagine Signor Leontuzzo will be very busy in the future. It'll unrealistic to expect him to help me the way he did Carracci.

I'd like to ask you for a new assistant.

The judge here would be a suitable pick.

That certainly is one option.

What are you two talking about?

Ah, how impertinent of me, carrying on this conversation without including the subject, Signorina Lavinia.

Don Bernardo has decided that I, Rubio, the humble ex-Segretario di Sicurezza Alimentare, shall take Carracci's place as the next Ministro dei Lavori Pubblici.

And I have to admit, I'm not too experienced with bureaucratic affairs.

So I hope that you, as someone with ample experience, will become my assistant.

......

(I wonder how Sora and the others are doing...)

?!

What? Why... are you here?

When you get old, you start looking for a place to enjoy the rest of your days.

......

Found her! She's right over there!

Surround her!

Looks like you insist on getting in my way.

She's still worried about you, after what happened.

As for me, I'm old now, so I spend my days taking care of the youth. It's a hobby.

Stay a while and have a chat with your elder.

Next time.

Croissant?!

Ohoh, let's have a look-see, who's off fighting all by herself?

Why are you all here?

As far as I can tell, the Siracusan families always fight together. It's your culture.

And Penguin Logistics's culture iiiis—

To party hard?

In this case, it should be—

Don't be afraid to rumble, right?

You got it!

Seriously though, old man. You think you could let this one slide, a favor from one Sankta to another?

Get'cher head on straight, Exusiai.

......

You do have a point.

Ahh, the rainy season in Siracusa is a long one. It didn't bother me when I was young, but now, the arthritis is such a hassle.

Children, striving for strength is fine, but remember to put your health and safety first.

Eh, yer pullin' my leg.

Thanks a bunch!

By the way, if I ever did want to talk with you, how could I find you?

If you're searching for redemption, I'm afraid there's nothing I can do for you.

But if you're searching for order, you will find me everywhere.

That's enough. Let's get out of here.

Woohoo!

......

Donna.

What's the situation?

The Bellones have retreated.

Good work.

Where's Cellinia?

Gone.

Gone?

She couldn't kill me, and I couldn't kill her.

......

Let's head back and prepare. The Bellones aren't going to let this go.

Right.

......

You've won, Leontuzzo.

Your original plan wasn't to win over Wallach, was it?

But wasn't that the best option, given the circumstances?

Can't deny that. *cough* *cough*

Alright, enough talk. Let's get you in the car.

Leon, you still haven't given up, have you?

Compared to what Lavinia has been through, this setback is nothing.

You're going to do great things.

Maybe one day, you might actually be able to realize your dreams in Siracusa.

And when that time comes, you'll be my right-hand man.

I don't get along with Lavinia.

There are some things better left to her, and others better left for you.

Haha, you cheeky bastard. You're already thinking about that kind of stuff?

Demetri... I'm still angry about what you and my father were plotting.

I don't understand why he insists on continuing, even now.

But, in the end, I'm still a part of this famiglia.

Safe landing!

*gasp*... *gasp*... It feels great to be back on our own turf.

Phew... Siracusans sure are a pain in the ass. I'm totally wiped.

You hanging in there, Sora?

Yes. But my dress got a little torn up.

Well, shoot. That one was awfully expensive, wasn't it?

Ahaha, we'll figure something out.

Alrighty, one bottle per person.

......

C'mon, knock it off with that stone face.

Just think of it this way: the three of us also happened to be on vacation here.

Then... what's with the show?

Oh... That's, umm... just a way to grow my career~

Plus, I thought it might make finding you a little easier.

I reckon it sure did, lookin' at the way things turned out.

Sure enough.

Tex...

Texas, I had an agreement with the director.

......

Hm?

Now that I've found you, I will stay here and complete my performance contract.

But—

I've spoken with the director a few times. It's a little scary, in retrospect, but I don't think he's the kind of man to hold our lives over you.

You have a point. If he wanted to do something like that, he would've locked us up a long time ago.

Okay, alright, let's quit the jawin'. You keep talkin' and I keep gettin' scareder n' scareder.

We really are here to see you. If it wasn't so dangerous out there, I'd like you to show us around.

Okay... When we're through all this, I'll give you a tour.

Anyways, let's celebrate this Penguin Logistics reunion in Siracusa!

Cheers!

The biggest thing—

Hm?

An unknown number...

I don't remember ever giving out this number...

Hello? Who am I speaking with...?

It seems you're safe and sound, Signorina Sora. That's a relief.

You know what happened with Texas, right?

Don't worry, Signorina.

Your Penguin Logistics friends must be enjoying a joyous reunion.

And I certainly don't want to interrupt that.

But I was just thinking you might have a lot of questions for me.

So, I'll be waiting for you at the theater tomorrow.

Right.