Arknights story · I Portatori dei Velluti
PV-10 Gunshot
The old tailor dies before Red's eyes. Ingrid kills the true culprit, Venezia Junior. Lappland and Texas make a bet on whether the parade will arrive to a sea of blood. Both mafiosi and truck drivers grab weapons. Tensions run high when a shot rings out.
2 scenes, 639 lines
1. Before Operation
349 linesAre you awake, pup?
...
I don't know what's sadder for Umberto: To slowly waste away from age and illness, or to watch how his pups get dumber with each generation.
How sad and pathetic, humans.
Y-You're—
The memory is blurry, but Luchino remembers the voice.
The night that Umberto brought him back to Tailor de Montano...
Sitting on a chair, Luchino looked blankly at the unfamiliar room before him, filled with various fabrics and tools.
Umberto was outside talking to someone. Suddenly, he turns around, and through the window Luchino thought Umberto was showing him to someone else, but does not see who it is.
His grandfather, his only living relation. Luchino feels his stomach churn with nervousness.
Then, he hears a voice mixed with anger and resignation exclaim, 'Shameless human! Up to the same old tricks again!'
Are you nonno's... friend?
Friend?
Friend, teacher, master, employer, client... my relationship with Umberto is not so easily defined.
I am the master of these wilds, pup, and your grandfather is my Fang.
A most incompetent one, I might add...
—
Guess I'm really getting old.
No matter how long I sat by the worktable, the nights never felt this long...
And I would have noticed you coming in. When?
Ten minutes ago.
Do you mind if I kept working while we talked?
I was delayed by an old friend's unexpected visit. I must hurry and finish the most important work on this suit.
Luchino can take care of the final touch-ups himself.
Why?
Hm?
I smell no scent of wolf from you, even a little bit.
Nor have you masked it in any unusual way. I was watching, I can tell.
...Are you really the last true wolf?
True wolf? Ah, you mean the Fangs.
Yes, you've come to the right place, young one.
I observed Umberto for a long time.
I watched him serve customers of every kind, casually putting his scissors through some of their throats while taking measurement, without getting a single drop of blood on himself.
He was not a warrior, like Ingrid, but he was smart and knew how to make the most of who he was.
He was also good at disguising himself. He spent most of his time in Tailor de Montano, and he was equally in demand as a tailor as he was as an assassin.
That's why I chose him. I told him about the Signori dei Lupi, and the existence of the game.
Nonno's stories were true!
You're the wolf from the stories... no wonder he wanted to leave the famiglia. He was the Signore dei Lupi's chosen, the most special tailor in Siracusa. He sure is very lucid!
Did nonno accept your deal?
No Fang can reject the Signori dei Lupi.
But Umberto set a condition.
C-Condition?
He was not the first Fang to try to bargain with the Signori dei Lupi. Impertinent fools! I know a hundred ways to destroy them and find someone else to take their place.
What did nonno want to do?
Umberto wanted to raise his pup to adulthood, before delivering my victory.
His wife had passed away, he said, and his young pup, Luca, was too young to survive without him.
That was it?
That was it. I agreed.
The society of humans was no more dangerous than the wilderness. I did not imagine it would take up so much of his time and energy.
I visited the tailor's shop from time to time to make sure he was not deceiving me.
That day, Umberto shut down his assassination business, devoting all his time to the sewing machine, fabric, and the young pup as it grew.
But his hands were still steady, and his eyes still sharp. Therefore, I kept my promise.
I needed a Fang that would not break, not easily-distracted prey. I gave him time. I had plenty of it.
But papa...
Died meaninglessly.
I gave Umberto plenty of time to recover from the shock.
It may not have been how Umberto planned it, but at least now he was no longer burdened. And so one night I visited him again, and demanded that he hold up his end of the bargain.
But my Fang once again bargained with me—
The Signore dei Lupi pauses and glares at the young tailor before him.
Do you mean...
He learned that his pup had a pup of its own, the last family he had... He wanted to raise you to adulthood too, before the hunt begins.
'Shameless human! Up to the same old tricks again!'
That was you...
This time, I did not assent. But he seems to have forgotten who he was, and who I was to him!
Every time I pressed him, he babbles something like how life keeps repeating itself, while shamelessly promising that he will hold up his end of the bargain.
...
But nonno was never in good health, as long as I could remember.
My Fang could hardly defend himself now, much less deliver my victory.
The only result of my patience was that he had grown old.
Nonno actually—
I know.
I know he's only ever cared about his shop, the suits he made, and the people he loved.
That's why he did those things, which he was never made for... Umberto was a fool. I was wrong about him.
...
Why are you telling me all this, Signore dei Lupi?
All my effort and patience have only earned me an eternity of scorn from the pack for breaking the rules of the game.
You are his pup. Now you must face punishment.
P-Punishment...
All your efforts tonight will be futile, whether you are trying to destroy the weapons, or destroy the ship.
Look down at your chest...
Luchino looks down and sees that the front of his jacket has flown open. He must have dropped his button in the chaos.
Whatever you want to become, pup, learn to sew your own buttons first.
Now, get lost. Go back to Umberto!
...
You are a terrible actor, Vargo.
That mock anger... were you afraid we would harm that pup?
He was not part of the game—
Have you forgotten the decision of the pack, Vargo?
The Signori dei Lupi shall stay here until this round is decided, and shall not intervene in any manner, or else...
I've already lost, Caesar.
The silvery Signore dei Lupi suddenly looks up.
He casts his gaze towards a corner of the city, a city engulfed in revelry, the night sky bright as day. No one notices that a certain cloud has dispersed.
The wind brings a familiar scent. Red has done her work.
I won't be shameless like Zaaro, Caesar. I have gone against the decision of the pack, and I shall accept my punishment.
Are you mourning your Fang?
...
Just bitter about losing.
I wouldn't have found you without grandma's help.
Grandma?
That's how you call your wolf? I've never thought of them as being particularly kindly...
But then, Vargo must have figured out a long time ago that he was being deceived. There's a soft heart there, underneath the surface.
Either?
The last true wolf that I killed didn't resist.
She just watched me pierce her chest as she cuddled her limp leg.
She sighed and muttered, 'Finally, no need to live in fear anymore...'
Sounds like death was a relief to her.
Well, it's not as if I stood any chance if I tried to resist. Besides, I don't mind this chat going on for a while longer. It would ruin this new suit if we started fighting right now.
Phew—almost there.
Measure, cut, shape, trim... that's how plain cloth becomes stylish clothes.
There are about four hundreds and fifty steps to a standard Siracusa suit, but it doesn't take as much time as one might think, if you go about them step by step, calmly and patiently.
...
The sound of the sewing machine stops.
The old tailor trims away the protruding threads, gets up from his chair, and walks by the huntress to hang the new suit on the wall.
He sighs, rubs his swollen eyes, and lies down on a sofa in a corner.
Do you mind if I lie down? At this age, I get dizzy whenever I work for an extended period of time.
Grandma was right. True wolves are good at disguising themselves.
I do not understand why you don't smell of wolf, but it doesn't change what you did to grandma.
You ate grandma's eyes, arms and heart...
Answer me, true wolf. Why do you engage in such a cruel game?
...
I see. That's how you understand the game to be like.
I take it you asked the last Fang you killed the same question.
I don't have an answer either, young one. We were all chosen by fate, by happenstance.
Whether it is lies or the truth that accompanies us, however, all of it will converge upon a single end... What will you do when that time comes?
No, what I mean is, what happens when you've killed all the true wolves?
The game ends, and grandma is saved.
*Cough* And what about you? Where will you go from there? What will you do?
Have you been seeking out and killing true wolves all this time?
(Waggles ears)
No. I was helping Kal'tsit. There are many things at Rhodes Island that I need to do...
The huntress bows her head.
I have wasted too much time.
The cold glint of a dagger shines out of Red's sleeves. She had been holding it all this time.
You're not afraid, true wolf?
Of course I'm afraid. I always am, whether you're here or not.
My health has been in a steady decline for a long time. You can't help but be afraid when you know that you don't have much time left.
But at least I was not like the one you spoke of, who spent a long time waiting for death's visit... that's much scarier than death.
Come to think of it, I didn't really achieve anything in my life.
A killer who racked up a mountain of blood debts, a father who watched his son die, a grandfather who doesn't know how to teach his grandson, a Fang who never played the game—
But I was a good tailor, a lucky old man.
How many can say that they were doing the work they loved on their deathbed?
I'll leave the finishing touch to you, Luchino...
Red does not raise her dagger. She does not need to.
The old man on the sofa is no longer breathing, as though he had expended his last bit of strength to finish the suit.
Red gazes unblinkingly at the old man's face.
She had seen the deaths of many, all of whom had died with an expression like a mask on their faces.
Even the limp true wolf that was waiting for death had terror on her face when Red came in, which only changed to relief in her final moments.
As for the Reunion members in the Lungmen ruins, and those who invaded Rhodes Island, their faces were twisted from rage or fear.
But the expression on the face of the old man before her never changed, from the moment she walked into the Tailor de Montano, to this very instant. Red was finally certain that he was not disguising himself.
Was the man really who grandma said he was?
...
The true wolf died before the huntress, but not by the huntress' hand.
Doubt fills Red's heart.
'Where will you go from there? What will you do?'
I don't understand, Grandma...
Seems like you hate Siracusa even more than I do.
Ha, you think I'm doing this for revenge?
No?
I've already said goodbye to my past, Texas.
Maybe there wasn't a formal ceremony, but that doesn't make it any less serious.
...
I didn't tell you how I became a taxi driver, did I?
I never asked.
The two of you got together?
Not many people would interrupt me like this, you know—yes, he's my lackey now.
A few Siracusans came to Nuova Volsinii together, but started brawling out in the wilderness for no reason, and the car ended up in front of me.
Siracusa invited, so I had to answer, just like you had to return to Volsinii last year.
Are you absolutely sure you're not just recalling the plot of a radio program?
Hey, I would be happy to sell the story to a radio station or filmmaker. I think it'll make a good road movie.
One year ago, I was sitting at that table in the Grey Hall with you when you won this new nomadic city from that Befana Sicilia.
You could call me one of the startup investors in this youthful dream of a new Siracusa.
Of course I needed to be here at the one-year anniversary of Nuova Volsinii, to celebrate with my friends!
...
You know, I think I deserve some gratitude for all the problems I dealt with behind the scenes to make sure the festival proceeds without a hitch.
Like scattering weapons across the square?
Haha, much more than just that.
Such as?
Such as my dear father, who is quite, let's say, ambitious about his plans for the new city.
I thought Alberto was in custody.
Oh, come on, haven't you spent enough time in my family to know what a stronzo the Saluzzo don is?
He wouldn't tolerate the thought of anything being outside his control, despite his failure at Volsinii, despite the vigilance of Nuova Volsinii's City Hall and courts against his interference.
What did you do?
Are you SURE you're not doing this for revenge?
Well, I guess that's a matter of interpretation.
Oh, and these masked dudes on the square. You remember seeing their boss, that cheerful Perro, in court?
Venezia Junior...
It's often those who despise the game the most who understand the rules most thoroughly.
He and his Venezia Trucking have never been in violation of the New Urban Management Act. As a matter of fact, he is a two-time winner of the Outstanding Young Entrepreneur award...
He might hate Siracusa more than either of us, Texas, but he know how to read the winds better than most wolves.
But...
But what?
I don't like his hairstyle. Too oily.
I prefer Vulpos who aren't so much like wolves.
A Vulpo mother from a distant land, who returned to Siracusa to seek justice for her Oripathy-afflicted daughter... Touching story, isn't it?
Besides, I happened to know that mother.
What did you do this time?
Helped her find the culprit. Super easy, barely any inconvenience.
I'm sure you would have done the same.
Sounds like the City Hall should give you a medal for outstanding citizenship.
What better time to do that than tonight? You can do the honors.
...
Nah, it wouldn't sit well with my conscience.
After all, things have gotten to the point where they are, even with all the 'business' that I threw a wrench into.
Now, let's get back to that wager.
Two packs of wolves, increasingly antsy... the end is approaching, Texas.
...I'm glad you're here, Ingrid.
The White Wolf of Saluzzo has disrupted our plans. I'm going to the port to deal with matters, lest she ruin everything that Venezia has built in Nuova Volsinii.
I returned my emblem a long time ago. Whatever happens to the famiglia is none of my business.
Drop the act, Antonio. You know why I'm here.
...
How did you know it was me?
When you told me you knew the truth.
But it was your reaction just now that removed the last vestige of doubt.
Why did you think the Sicilian betrayed you the moment you saw me?
Ah. You tricked me.
Did I?
I had my suspicions, Antonio. If the Tancredis wanted to assassinate the Venezia don, doing it through a child was a highly unreliable method, to say the least...
No matter how intricate their plan was, they could not possibly have prepared a doll that Lisa had only fallen in love with half a month ago because of a movie.
There never was an assassination attempt. You hurt Lisa to agitate me, in order to run me out of the famiglia.
If that was so—
Oh, you spared no expenses to make sure that Lisa wanted for nothing when I brought her back. She called you the 'really nice Perro uncle'.
And the way you beseeched me to come home, after I arrived in Nuova Volsinii...
You wore your mask perfectly, Antonio. You put on such a natural act that it would put the real thing to shame.
No, no, it was all real.
Lisa. Lovely, clever child. I was happy from the bottom of my heart when she called me uncle.
But you were in my way, Ingrid.
I could never have risen in the familglia with you around, much less rise to my present position.
The struggle between Venezia and Tancredi had reached the point where nothing was off-limits. It was a chance I could not afford to miss. Lisa was your only weakness.
As for why I tried to bring you back after chasing you out from the famiglia, the answer is even simpler...
Times have changed, Ingrid. Be it within the famiglia, or in Nuova Volsinii, Venezia Junior needs a strong right hand.
I even made preparations to sponsor Rhodes Island under the name of Venezia Trucking, in order to allow them to devote their full effort to Lisa's treatment.
...
The Don took us in, and we lived together as Venezia for more than a decade. But somehow, you have it in you to hurt the people closest to you—
Are you going to chastise me for lacking in 'decency', Ingrid?
I'm curious: Do you truly agree with what the old man says, or are you just playing dumb?
We keep emphasizing 'decency,' acting like we're principled, pretending we're filled with love, and claiming we're so different from the other famiglia!
But we're no different, are we? Just a bunch of stronzo with blood all over our hands.
That tailor, Umberto. He's done dirty work after dirty work for the old man, just because he owed the old man one back in the day.
If decency was really about the famiglia, why did he leave the famiglia to focus on his suits?
That scar on your face. Is it a mark of honor, or shame? Behind the scar, how many lives were taken in the name of the famiglia?
Who's really decent in this swamp they call Siracusa?
No one amongst us, at least.
Good. This is the right distance for stabbing.
You really are forthright, Antonio.
I just believe we shouldn't expect something unrealistic from one another.
What the Siracusans should do is be prepared to lose everything, including those they love the most. That's what I used to admire you for.
—
A bright flash of light.
The alley they are in is separated from Court Square by a high wall. Only a few dim street lamps illuminate the dark street. The sudden flash of light dazzles Ingrid momentarily.
This is your Arts? You hid it well.
Doesn't do much, except cause a strong flash of light... it even looks a little silly, doesn't it?
...
This is the second time I've ever used it. Without this light, I would not have dodged that bullet while kneeling in the mud of the jungle.
I would not have been able to hold that drunken noble who circled our names away from the list, before cutting his head off.
Anger and distract me with that speech you just gave, then create an opening with the flash—you planned this the moment you saw me, didn't you?
*Cough*— Ugh—
But all my knife found was the omamori you wore on your belt...
You never had a chance, Antonio, the moment I found out what kind of person you are.
...
You know, it's funny, I was actually trying to think of an excuse to spare your life on my way here.
Lisa's condition can never be cured, but she has found friends at Rhodes Island, even became an operator for them, working to help other Oripathy patients.
I was worried about Lisa's education, but life has thrown her a bone by the strange deliverance of fate—
Sorella! Ingrid Venezia! You will insult me with this 'decency', even now?
You would never have missed my heart if you didn't mean to—*cough*—I shouldn't still be talking.
...
You're mistaken.
It's just plain Ingrid. A mother whom you've angered.
If I was thinking about decency... it was only so that you wouldn't die with any.
I left you alive so that you could bleed to death.
You deserve the pain, Antonio.
Another firework explodes in the skies not far from here, casting its light on Ingrid's face. The parade is about to arrive at the square. Carnevale comes to a climax.
It will be a long time before they find out about the Perro lying on the other side of the wall. Ingrid snickers at the thought.
...
She walks over the figure lying on the ground and leaves the alley.
I still can't get in touch with Antonio! What the hell is going on?
And where's Capone at a time like this? I knew you couldn't trust a Sicilian.
What do we do now?
What do you THINK we do? This ain't a movie when you just call 'Cut!' and go to lunch.
Everything has been exposed. City Hall sees us for who we are now. Do you think we can go back to being 'honest citizens of Nuova Volsinii' after this?
Complete Antonio's mission, capture the courthouse, then get in touch with the port.
Do the reinforcements have their weapons?
Yeah.
Good. On my order.
Maybe some of us haven't touched a weapon in a year, but we ain't any more out of practice than these cargo-hauling scemo.
Eirene...
You have the answer?
...
It's not the one we want to hear, is it?
Tell Eirene that I'm very sorry about Sommer...
But I will not sign this verdict, and this decision is final.
Nuova Volsinii will not tolerate the crimes of the mafia, but that doesn't mean other people can use the opportunity to achieve their own goals.
I've gotten letters from many friends over the past year. Some of them are judges or lawyers in other cities; others have chosen to pursue a different career.
They shared a lot of advice with me, about the jurisprudential basis of the New Urban Management Act, and specific room for improvement.
I read many feelings between the lines. Concern, confusion, hope, even envy...
The New Urban Management Act is a unique thing in Siracusa. It is the basis of this city's existence. Many have their eyes upon it; even more have sacrificed for it.
It's true that it can be powerless at times. But it's especially in times like this that I cannot allow it to become empty words, much less a tool to be exploited.
Still the same old Lavinia.
Hey, Eirene.
What is it?
Listen to me carefully.
These people have gotten their hands on weapons. They have become true wolves. The situation is out of control.
I saw what the mafiosi are capable of when I first came to Siracusa as a kid. They slaughtered my uncle's entire family in just half an hour.
In a few moments I will release smoke to obstruct their view. Get the guys out of here when that happens. Hand signs, signals, whatever, I know you have a way.
You'll need to be quick. I've never released smoke in such a large area before, so I don't know how well it will work, or how long I can keep it up.
The trucks are right behind us. Get in, get away.
I wasn't with Sommer that night. It's partly my fault that he's dead...
There's not much that a luckless loner like me can do, but I can't let my brothers and sisters die here.
...
That's a gun, not a spanner! Stop pointing it at me—
—
No, I don't mean point it at yourself!
B-But I don't know how to use it...
Then point it in front of you, Pedro.
...
But that's—
Don't worry about it going off, or accidentally touching the switch on some Arts unit.
I've talked to Judge Lavinia. These mafiosi have been declared outlaws under the New Urban Management Act...
No one is going to hold you responsible if you accidentally shoot them.
So, take a deep breath, and hold your weapon firm. We're protecting Justice Lavinia, protecting the courthouse, and protecting ourselves.
But, Eirene...
Listen.
What?
The cheering. It's getting nearer and nearer.
The parade will reach Court Square in just a few more minutes.
How will the people interpret what they see? They're the ones who will pass judgment.
The law needs only facts, doesn't it?
...
Eirene's voice is trembling, but the crossbow in her hand is firm. Suddenly, Lyudmila feels like she is looking at a stranger.
The beast masked-figures on one side, the truck drivers on the other, like they are standing on two sides of a river.
There is no weapon on the ground, only shattered boxes. The weapons are in their hands.
Everyone hears the sounds filling the air.
The rumbling of floats, impromptu band performance, the spirited yelling of acrobats... the parade draws ever closer.
Then, sounds that are fainter, but even more audible. The sound of guns being loaded and locked, Arts units being activated, crossbow safeties pins being unlocked...
There is nowhere to hide. There is nowhere to run.
No one has moved, yet. At the first shot, the dammed river will burst, and the tide of madness will wash over everything.
...
No one speaks. Nerves are wound to the very tightest. Everyone is listening to the sounds, and their own racing heartbeats.
A new day will dawn upon Nuova Volsinii soon.
But the night is long.
2. After Operation
290 lines...
...
...
...
Cazzo! I said, on my order, you idiot!
I-It wasn't me! I only just pulled the safety on my gun—
And it's not them, either. See that shocked look on their faces, they're checking themselves for holes...
Did someone's weapon go off?
No, nobody's hurt... but where did that gunshot come from?
I thought I knew what to do just now, but... w-what do we do now?
I can see the head of the first float already...
...Hey, you over there.
*Cough*—Gah—
Two hundred meters... just two hundred...
Haven't lost your touch, Ingrid... not one bit...
Merda, it hurts... I can feel my blood flow out of me... but that means I still have time...
Get out of this alley, get back to the square, and I can still bring things under control...
We have the courthouse and the port...
Maybe I'll die, but... *cough*... before I die, I'll sit in the judge's chair, and deliver the final judgment of... *cough*... this ridiculous testing ground...
Antonio leans against the wall and does his best to stay upright, wobbling towards the exit.
The alley is dark, and every step takes massive effort.
For some reason, he thinks back to how the guerillas crept through the jungle of Bolívar by night, escaping from the Singas government.
Antonio thinks back to the circles that the noble drunkenly drew on the list, and his severed head when the guerillas cut it off.
He thinks back to Ingrid, Venezia Senior, Leontuzzo, Alberto, Signora Sicilia... all the people he hates.
He will take everything from them. He will draw a big, bloody cross on their names.
It's not over yet—
He stops.
He feels the cold metal of gun muzzle pressed to his forehead.
A-Antonio.
...
Carle?
I ordered you to get out—
W-Who do you think you are to kick me out?!
You're just the Don's guard tuskbeast, Antonio!
No matter how hard you try to disguise your ears and tail, you—
You want to kill me?
YOU?
Your hands are shaking!
You don't know who my enemies are! You don't know what I'm building! You stupid, worthless coglione—
...
Carle stares blankly at the lifeless body on the ground. He has never seen such fury as that which is on Antonio's face, even unto death.
It almost seems like it was not the bullet that took Antonio's life, but the fact that it was he, Carle, who fired the bullet.
Antonio's blood seeps through the cracks on the ground, in the shape of a massive, bloody cross.
Hey, you over there.
Eirene?
It's okay.
Before everybody's eyes, Eirene leaves the drivers' line and takes two steps forward, standing in the middle of the road.
Facing off the tense crowd of mafiosi, she takes a deep breath, and lowers her crossbow.
...
What is the meaning of this?
Look. The first float has rounded the corner...
The parade is here. Are we really going to fight to the death in front of hundreds of thousands of Nuova Volsinii citizens?
Whatever your plan was, it's too late, isn't it?
You want us to lower the weapons?
You think we're stupid?
We're doing the same thing.
The White Wolf scattered this stuff on the plaza. We, as conscientious citizens of Nuova Volsinii, volunteered to clean up the square so that the parade can pass through.
That's what happened, no more, no less. All of you Signori and Signore are witnesses for me and all the drivers behind me.
They, in turn, are your witnesses.
...
It's Carnevale, after all. Let's give the parade a warm, proper welcome.
*Pant*—*pant*—
Get in, Carle.
The parade is almost here. We can't park here for long.
There's a Carnevale mask on the driver's seat. Put it on and hide that blood on your face.
D-Don Venezia.
Move.
The car starts moving, and the parade crowd passes through behind.
Music and cheering mingle under the bright lights. It has been a good four or five hours since the revelry started, but Nuova Volsinii's excitement shows no sign of abating.
From the expansion plate, through all of Nuova Volsinii's major districts, the procession is about to arrive at its destination. Nobody notices a lone car driving in the opposite direction.
I'm sorry, D-Don Venezia, I didn't get the job done.
You gave me a chance after Antonio ran me out, ordered me to take him out quietly, but I...
If Ingrid didn't already mortally wound him before I got there...
No, Antonio died by your hand.
...
The Don's permission is required for the execution of a formal associate of the familglia. At minimum, a proper explanation should be given to important members of the famiglia.
Ingrid's methods were not... decent.
Understood, sir.
But now, Antonio is dead... he was your son-in-law, the famiglia's—
Nuova Volsinii has its rules. So does Venezia.
What Anton did was wrong. This is an act of kindness. He is with Bella now.
Besides, his death will not be meaningless.
What next, sir?
We go home and clean the house.
The first thing that City Hall and the courts will see when they get up in the morning tomorrow is Venezia's good faith. We will sit down together, and we will talk like decent people.
It will be a busy night.
Keep up, keep up! Court Square is just ahead! We got to get ahead of that float to get a good place—
Well, don't squeeze!
You're not joining them, Signorina?
...
Your plain outfit stands out in a crowd of colorful costumes and masks! What an idea, to turn things on its head.
May I take a few photos? I can mail them to you if you give me an address.
Hey, are you listening?
The Lupo girl's eyes harden.
The photographer gazes across the street. The red hood stands out in the crowd, even in this revelry.
A trap? How did you—
...
I'm here, child.
I won, grandma.
I saw it.
I saw how the entire battle played out. How you zeroed in onto the Fang of Agnese, lured her into a trap, and struck her down with a single blow.
...
You can see? Have your eyes healed, Grandma?
Have your arms grown back? Is your heart whole again? Why... why can't I see you? Why can't I get close to you?
My sweet child, would you have hunted with such fervor if I didn't say that?
...
Red killed the true wolf and earned an insipid victory for grandma. Finally.
Now I go off to find another sweet child.
Oh, bother.
Alright, let me put it another way. Maybe then you'll know what to do.
You're like the ones you killed, my child.
You're both huntress and true wolf.
Not all the true wolves have been slain. Grandma hasn't been saved yet.
...
In the space of a few minutes, they've hidden all the weapons in the trucks, and stand side-by-side to welcome the parade procession. It's almost like they rehearsed it.
Who would believe me if I said they were pointing weapons at each other just a few minutes ago?
You win again, Texas!
Once again, justice and conscience have taken your side!
Texas does not answer. The White Wolf claps even harder, an ink-black mask on her face.
It's Carnevale, after all!
...
Why the long face, Texas? You won. You should be more cheerful than that.
Look! The parade enters Court Square. That little intermezzo just now never turns into a full-scale riot. Peace and love for all.
Or is it because you just can't help thinking that the only reason it turned out this way was because of a single gunshot out of nowhere, which gave one of the wolves the chance to cool its head?
And Carnevale is nothing but a red carpet laid out on a swamp?
What are you trying to say, Lappland?
What happened tonight is not the same as the civil disorder that happened in the other cities of Siracusa.
...The only difference being the involvement of a bunch of ordinary people, who were pushed to desperation by the mafia's turf wars.
Well... you're not wrong.
But they really did put on a remarkable show.
Especially that driver lady that we saw in court, who seems to have understood a lot of things without having to be taught...
...
Nuova Volsinii is not a vineyard where you just sow the seeds and wait for the fruits to grow.
Don't forget that it sits right in the middle of this swamp by the name of Siracusa.
The famiglie have never been the only ones who had to crawl through mud and water. Don't underestimate the power of this bog, Texas. It turns everyone into hungry, ravenous wolves.
It has ingrained into the genes of the Siracusans the instinct to turn any new turf into the same swamp.
This endless cycle is what Siracusa is.
Don't try to escape it or change it. The easiest thing to do is to learn to enjoy the swim.
This is what the old man, Signora Sicilia, and you... what all of you have taught me.
Leontuzzo and Lavinia have taken radical measures in order to validate an order that exists outside the mafia... there is a long way to go.
But this is why Nuova Volsinii exists. It offers a new possibility.
But really, did you do all this in order to give this speech?
I didn't know you were so concerned about the future of Siracusa.
Took the words right out of my mouth, didn't you? I was going to ask you that.
...
Otherwise, why would you have come here all the way from Lungmen the moment you got my invitation?
...
I know, you're gonna say—
The White Wolf pauses, clears her throat, and imitates Texas' way of speaking.
Calm and even, yet emotion-filled.
Ahem. 'All those lofty ideals are none of my business. I just work for a logistics company.'
'I'm just here because I care about my friend, and because my conscience wouldn't let me turn a blind eye to certain things... just like in Volsinii...'
No, Texas, I haven't forgotten the time that we first met...
You had just came to Siracusa. You were standing at the edge of the mobile platform, holding your Nonno Salvatore's hand, watching my family's workers trim the grapevines.
Your nonno and my father were talking about how Columbia was turning into a dump, about Siracusa's good weather, the new year's harvest, and how you'll be staying a while at our place.
Your eyes were BRIGHT back then, and your expressions were much more interesting than they are now—
That's because the grapes you picked were so sour they almost burned a hole in my tongue.
Everyone on the square is wearing a mask tonight, but none could compare to the one you wear.
Nobody sees things clearer than you. You were the first one to realize that this is a swamp that you needed to get out of.
But it was your disappointment that made you see, Texas. You once had such high hopes for this swamp.
Forget about my speech. You, Texas, are a true blue idealist!
...
...
I don't deny it.
Or rather, whether I am or am not makes no difference.
It doesn't change what I have to do at the end of the day.
Is that a LANDSHIP?!
Wow, City Hall brought a landship to the show and turned it into a stage?
Wait, look who's on deck...
Is that the Last Texas?
I'm sure, I've seen her in the courts of Volsinii—and the one opposite her...
Lappland? The White Wolf who was disowned by the Don of Saluzzo eight years ago?
Why are they here at the Carnevale?
Must be City Hall's special guests! Think about it, representatives of two major famiglie here at the climax of Carnevale...
It sends an even more powerful message than Signor Bellone's promotional video!
Damn right!
Lappland takes off her mask and gives it to Texas.
What?
You won the bet, didn't you?
In the old days, the famiglie murdered each other on Carnevale, the last surviving wolf taking the masks of the vanquished.
I suppose we need to give the old customs new meaning in this new city... a new life, that kind of stuff, I guess.
...
As for the question just now, it doesn't matter what your answer is.
Siracusa makes all of us wear masks, after all.
We're part of Carnevale's main event, Texas.
Regardless of why you're here, here and now, you represent part of Siracusa, whether it's the part that's new, or the part that's broken and needs to be thrown out.
Mafiosi and truck driver, city officials and judges, and all the Siracusans on the square, will see in us the meaning that they want to see.
You may, of course, choose to turn around and leave.
...
Come on, Texas, don't just stand there. All of Nuova Volsinii is watching!
Silence.
Texas gazes at her old friend, and old enemy, for a long time... and finally extends her hand.
A dozen beast floats drive into Court Square, as though it had been previously rehearsed, and the reveling crowd continues to gush in like the tide.
The sound of music and the cheers of the crowd keeps growing louder. The bright lights and fireworks in the sky provide the perfect backdrop for the duo on stage.
Do you hear that? They would not let the good night go gently.
They're cheering for you and me, for this new city, for a new life.
You're still really good at making me feel sick.
I'll take that as a compliment.
But I don't mind being part of the event. I don't mind these people seeing some sort of 'meaning' in me.
Without hope, there would never be disappointment. Whether in Columbia or Siracusa, I do, in fact, hope to see a truly vibrant city emerge from the swamp.
If the challenge and complexity of building it are beyond what I can imagine, then I will face the challenge with my friends, not run away from it.
...
Alright, I've made up my mind. I'll take care of one more trouble for you and Siracusa!
I'm bringing those stupid wolves back to the wilderness, so that Siracusa won't be affected by their dumb game.
No need to thank me. But when the obstacles have all been pushed out of the way, how will they—you—change this swamp?
...
There's something I suddenly wanted to ask you, Texas.
What?
Are you disappointed that I didn't come to Nuova Volsinii for you?
No.
Mm-hm.
Texas takes the mask.
The White Wolf lets go, without warning, without hesitation. She turns around and walks into the landship's hold.
...
...
Well...
Landship, the White Wolf of Saluzzo and Texas, and the Truckers' Union...
What else did we miss?
S-Signor Bellone...
Hello, Eirene. Haven't seen you in a while.
Perhaps we should have a little chat once the festivities are over.
...
Go on, Mayor Leontuzzo.
The duo's performance has come to an end. Time to deliver the closing speech for Carnevale.
...
Thanks for bringing me here, Demetri. And sorry I couldn't give you a satisfactory answer even at the very end.
Since when have you been the type to say useless crap like that?
...I suppose you're right.
Good evening, folks. I'm Leontuzzo.
As you can see, I was a little dinged up, but I'm out of the woods now.
I was actually there in the middle of the parade on the way to Court Square, experiencing this city that we live in together.
I'm sure little needs to be said about the impressive performance of Signorine Lappland and Texas.
But I wanted to see your faces, say a few things, and spend the night together with you guys.
Many things have changed in Nuova Volsinii over the past year, not least the completion of the Nuova Volsinii Port, the biggest cargo port in Siracusa.
Every connection it makes is like a pulse of the city, demonstrating healthy, robust vitality, supporting thousands of enterprises and hundreds of thousands of livelihoods.
We founded the country's first police academy, a new code of laws, and people are increasingly identifying with Nuova Volsinii.
This makes me glad and anxious in equal measure.
The city continues to face many problems that cannot be ignored. For example, the citizen credit system remains inconvenient, and there are many cases where it doesn't achieve its intentions.
We also understand that the uniqueness of New Urban Management Act makes it difficult for our citizens to receive the support they need for cases that span jurisdictions.
A year is a very short period of time. City Hall and the courts still have much to do.
What I want to ask is this: What is Nuova Volsinii to you?
That's also the question that I want to ask other Siracusans in Volsinii, Sicilia, Montelupe... what is Nuova Volsinii to them?
And what is this young city to neighboring Leithanien, distant Ursus, and all the other countries in Terra, for which change is a constant?
Are we a new possibility to them? Not just a different kind of violence, but something stronger, firmer, more close-knit, something worth talking to?
Will they understand that our strength comes from our most earnest desires, that we, and all the others gathered here today, can safeguard our hard-earned new lives?
That's what we have been trying to achieve over the past year.
There is no famiglia in Nuova Volsinii. The reforms associated with this saying doesn't rely on 'Siracusan' methods, as Siracusans know it—
A secret negotiation, an assasination in the dark, a purge of the city, a deadly struggle between famiglie...
All that has happened here, and all that will happen, will be viewed through the lens of the law.
We're giving a new order to our new life. The swamp that Siracusans used to take for granted will no longer faze us.
A friend once said to me that I'm walking down a thorny path.
He's right. But all the challenges that we have faced is exactly why Nuova Volsinii must continue to move forward.
For everyone who has been hurt on this path, for everyone who may be hurt in the future, I'm sorry.
But at the same time, I continue to extend an invitation to all the friends who have something to ask of Nuova Volsinii.
We shall trample the thorns together and make this brand-new, one-of-a-kind city better, little by little, until it's ready to usher in a new era.
As a matter of fact, a new era for Siracusa has already begun, a future filled with infinite possibilities.
...
Demetri gazes forward silently, at the silhouette of Leontuzzo outlined by the countless lights.
What can I say, Leon?
Saluzzo's wine isn't bad, but I prefer my own.
Bellone will find its way into this city, in my way, by your rules.
I promise that to you.
Demetri turns around.
The mayor's speech continues, but he has received the answer he was looking for. Demetri has accepted the invitation, or perhaps, the declaration of a very long war.
Enjoy the rest of the night!
And, the dawn of a new day.